Multi-pivot latch assemblies

ABSTRACT

Latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchor members and other attachment points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an ejector movably coupled to a frame. In some embodiments, a biasing member urges the ejector toward a position that holds the latch in a first or open position prior to attachment to an anchor member. When the anchor member presses against the ejector, another biasing member urges the latch to pivot from the first or open position to a second position about a first pivot point, and then from the second position to a third or fully closed position about a second pivot point.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/775,268, filed May 6, 2010 and entitled“MULTI-PIVOT LATCH ASSEMBLIES,” which is a continuation-in-partapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/485,778, filed Jun.16, 2009 and entitled “MULTI-PIVOT LATCH ASSEMBLIES,” which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/415,906, filed Mar. 31, 2009 and entitled “MULTI-PIVOT LATCHASSEMBLIES,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/060,095, filed Mar. 31, 2008 and entitled “MULTI-PIVOT LATCHASSEMBLIES,” each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference.

The subject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/756,143, filedApr. 7, 2010 and entitled “CHILD SAFETY SEAT ATTACHMENT BELT RETRACTORSYSTEM,” and the subject matter of corresponding U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/167,484, filed Apr. 7, 2009 and entitled “CHILDSAFETY SEAT ATTACHMENT BELT RETRACTOR SYSTEM,” is incorporated into thepresent application in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to latch assemblies for usewith restraint systems and, more particularly, to latch assemblies forreleasably coupling webs for child seats and other personal restraintsystems to anchors and other attach points in vehicles.

BACKGROUND

There are many types of personal restraint systems used in automobilesand other vehicles. One type of personal restraint system used forchildren is a portable child seat. Portable child seats are typicallysecured to seats in automobiles.

One method of securing the child seat includes attaching a web or beltfrom the child seat to a metal bar or an anchor in the vehicle with areleasable latch assembly. To accommodate different types of childseats, automobiles typically include several anchors at variouslocations. A lower anchor, for example, is typically positioned at theintersection between an upper seat back portion and a lower seat portionso that it does not interfere with a passenger sitting in the seat. Thelower anchor is accessible, however, so that the latch assembly can beeasily engaged with the anchor to secure the child seat in position.

SUMMARY

The following summary is provided for the benefit of the reader only,and is not intended to limit the disclosure as set forth by the claimsin any way.

The present disclosure is directed generally to latch assemblies andother couplings for securing child seats, other passenger restraintsystems, and/or cargo to anchor members and/or other structural attachpoints in vehicles. A latch assembly configured in accordance with oneaspect of the disclosure includes a distal end portion having a mouthconfigured to receive an anchor member, and a proximal end portionhaving an opening configured to receive a web or belt secured to a childseat. In some embodiments, the opening is aligned, or at leastapproximately aligned, with a central or longitudinal axis of the latchassembly. This latch configuration may lend itself well to “non-handed”use and operation in both left- and right-handed applications.

Latch assemblies configured in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure include a frame having first and second openings proximate afirst jaw portion. A latch having a second jaw portion opposing thefirst jaw portion is movably coupled to the frame by a first guidefeature movably received in the first opening and a second guide featuremovably received in the second opening. A release actuator is operablycoupled to the latch, and an ejector is movably mounted to the frameproximate the first jaw portion. In some embodiments, a first biasingmember urges the latch toward a closed position, while a second biasingmember urges the ejector forward. When the ejector is in a forward-mostposition, the ejector abuts the latch to hold the latch in an openposition. Pushing the ejector back against the second biasing memberenables the latch to close by pivoting about a first pivot point andthen a second pivot point spaced apart from the first pivot point. Inone aspect of this embodiment, the release actuator can include aflexible pull-strap for manual release of the latch assembly. Pulling onthe release actuator causes the latch to open by pivoting about thesecond pivot point and then the first pivot point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a child seat secured in a vehicle with alatch assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a latch assembly configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure with the latch assemblyin a closed position, and FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the latchassembly in an open position.

FIG. 2C is a partially exploded isometric view of the latch assembly ofFIG. 2B.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views, FIG. 3C is a rear view, and FIGS. 3D and3E are isometric views, of various components of the latch assembly ofFIGS. 2A-2C.

FIGS. 4A-4C are a series of side views illustrating various stages ofoperation of the latch assembly of FIGS. 2A-2C in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a latch assembly configured inaccordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 5B is anisometric view of the latch assembly with part of the housing removedfor purposes of illustration.

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of a latch, frame, and guidefeatures from the latch assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIGS. 7A-7C are enlarged rear isometric, front isometric, and rear endviews, respectively, of a latch blocker from the latch assembly of FIGS.5A and 5B.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view illustrating installation of the latchblocker of FIGS. 7A-7C on the latch assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are enlarged rear and front isometric views,respectively, of a latch actuator from the latch assembly of FIGS. 5Aand 5B.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view illustrating installation of the latchactuator of FIGS. 9A-9B on the latch assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIGS. 11A-11F are a series of left and right side views illustratingvarious stages of operation of the latch assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12A is an isometric view of a latch assembly configured inaccordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 12B is anisometric view of the latch assembly with the housing removed forpurposes of illustration.

FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of the latch assembly of FIGS. 12Aand 12B.

FIGS. 14A-14F are a series of left and right side views illustratingvarious stages of operation of the latch assembly of FIGS. 12A and 12Bin accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15A is an isometric view of a latch assembly configured inaccordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 15B isan isometric view of the latch assembly with a housing removed forpurposes of illustration.

FIG. 16 is an exploded rear isometric view of the latch assembly ofFIGS. 15A and 15B.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are enlarged rear and front isometric views,respectively, of an ejector from the latch assembly of FIGS. 15A and15B.

FIG. 18A-18F are a series of left and right side views illustratingvarious stages of operation of the latch assembly of FIGS. 15A and 15Bin accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 19A is an isometric view of a latch assembly configured inaccordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 19B is anisometric view of the latch assembly with a housing removed for purposesof illustration.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are exploded front and rear isometric views,respectively, of the latch assembly of FIGS. 19A and 19B.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged isometric view of an ejector from the latchassembly of FIGS. 19A and 19B.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are rear and front isometric views, respectively, of asub-assembly of the latching components of FIGS. 19A and 19B, and FIG.22C is a front isometric view illustrating aspects of the mouth of thelatch assembly of FIGS. 19A and 19B.

FIGS. 23A-23F are a series of left and right side views illustratingvarious stages of operation of the latch assembly of FIGS. 19A and 19Bin accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 24A is an isometric view of a latch assembly configured inaccordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 24B isan isometric view of the latch assembly with a housing removed forpurposes of illustration.

FIG. 25 is an exploded isometric view of the latch assembly of FIGS. 24Aand 24B.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are enlarged rear and front isometric views,respectively, of an ejector from the latch assembly of FIGS. 24A and24B.

FIG. 27A-27F are a series of left and right side views illustratingvarious stages of operation of the latch assembly of FIGS. 24A and 24Bin accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a child seat secured in a vehicle with alatch assembly configured in accordance with another embodiment of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes various types of latch assemblies andsystems, and methods of using such latch assemblies and systems. Certaindetails are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-28 toprovide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of thedisclosure. Other details describing well-known structures and systemsoften associated with latch assemblies, child seats, and related vehiclestructures, however, are not set forth below to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the description of the various embodiments of the disclosure.

Many of the details and features shown in the Figures are merelyillustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly,other embodiments can have other details and features without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, thoseof ordinary skill in the art will understand that further embodimentscan be practiced without several of the details described below.Furthermore, various embodiments of the disclosure can includestructures other than those illustrated in the Figures and are expresslynot limited to the structures shown in the Figures. Moreover, thevarious elements and features illustrated in the Figures may not bedrawn to scale.

In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify identical or atleast generally similar elements. To facilitate the discussion of anyparticular element, the most significant digit or digits of anyreference number refer to the Figure in which that element is firstintroduced. For example, element 110 is first introduced and discussedwith reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portable passenger restraint 110 (e.g.,a child car seat) secured to a seat 104 in a vehicle 116 by a latchassembly 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of thedisclosure. The latch assembly 100 is coupled to the passenger restraint110 by a web or belt 112 and an adjustable buckle 114. The latchassembly 100 is attached to the seat 104 by an anchor 102. In theillustrated embodiment, the anchor 102 is a metal bar or loop mountedbetween an upper seat portion 104 and a lower seat portion 106. In otherembodiments, however, the latch assembly 100 can be attached to anchorsor other structures positioned at other locations in the vehicle 116.For example, although a rear facing child car seat is shown in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the latch assemblies disclosed hereincan also be used with other types of portable passenger restraintsincluding, for example, forward facing child car seats. In theillustrated embodiment, only a single latch assembly 100 is shown. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate, however, that in other embodimentsmore than one latch assembly 100 may be used to secure the passengerrestraint 110 to the seat 104 in accordance with the present disclosure.Moreover, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the latch assembly100 can be used with various types of vehicles (e.g., automobiles,aircraft, rotorcraft, watercraft, etc.), and with other types ofrestraint systems (e.g., passenger, cargo, etc.).

FIG. 2A is an enlarged isometric view of the latch assembly 100 ofFIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch assembly 100 is in aclosed position engaged with the anchor 102. The latch assembly 100includes a latch 230 and an actuator 250 movably coupled to a frame 210.The latch assembly 100 also includes a body or housing 271 having afirst housing portion 270 a attached to a second housing portion 270 bby a fastener 272 (e.g., a screw, bolt, rivet, etc.). The housing 271 atleast partially covers the frame 210, the latch 230, and the actuator250. The frame 210 includes a web opening 226 at a proximal end portion204 of the latch assembly 100. The web opening 226 is configured toreceive the belt 112 extending from the passenger restraint 110 (FIG.1). Although the web opening 226 is configured to receive the belt 112in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments the web opening 226can be configured to be attached to or otherwise operably coupled toother structures. For example, in certain embodiments the web opening226 can be configured to be releasably attached directly to thepassenger restraint 110 or to a rigid structure carried by the passengerrestraint 110. In still further embodiments, the web opening 226 can befixedly attached directly to the passenger restraint 110. In theillustrated embodiment, the frame also 210 includes a first jaw 212 at adistal end portion 206 of the latch assembly 100. As shown in FIG. 2A,the first jaw 212 is configured to cooperate with a second jaw 232 ofthe latch 230 to releasably engage the anchor 102.

In FIG. 2B, the second jaw 232 has moved to the open position to releasethe anchor 102. As described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 4A-4C, when the actuator 250 is moved toward the proximal endportion 204 of the latch assembly 100 in a direction indicated by arrow203, the latch 230 pivots to move the second jaw 232 away from the firstjaw 212 in a direction indicated by arrow 205.

FIG. 2C is a partially exploded isometric view of the latch assembly 100of FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrating certain features of the latch assembly100 in more detail. For example, a first guide pin or guide feature 246projects from the latch 230 and is movably received in a correspondingfirst opening 216 in the frame 210. A second guide pin or guide feature248 also projects from the latch 230 and is movably received in acorresponding second opening 218 in the frame 210. The actuator 250includes a hook end portion 252 that engages the first guide feature 246when the actuator 250 is moved toward the proximal end portion 204 ofthe latch assembly 100 in the direction indicated by arrow 203.

The latch assembly 100 also includes a biasing member 274 (e.g., acompression spring) operably coupled between the frame 210 and actuator250. When the actuator 250 is moved toward the proximal end portion 204,the biasing member 274 is compressed thereby providing resistance to themovement of the actuator 250 in the direction of arrow 203. When theactuator 250 is released, the biasing member 274 urges the actuator 250in a direction opposite to arrow 203 to move the second jaw 232 towardthe closed position.

FIG. 3A is a side view of the frame 210, FIG. 3B is a side view of thelatch 230, FIG. 3C is a rear view of the latch 230, and FIGS. 3D and 3Eare isometric views of the actuator 250 of the latch assembly 100illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C. Referring first to FIG. 3A, the first jaw212 includes a first inclined surface 313 and a first engagement surface314. In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement surface 314 hasa generally hemispherical shape configured to receive an anchor having acorresponding cross sectional shape. In other embodiments, however, thefirst engagement surface 314 can have other shapes. For example, thefirst engagement surface 314 can have a rectilinear shape and/or includegrooves or other features corresponding to the shape of the anchorand/or facilitating attachment thereto. In still further embodiments,the first engagement surface 314 can be generally flat and not includeany retention features.

The first opening 216 and second opening 218 extend through a distal endportion 311 of the frame 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstopening 216 is a slot having a generally “V” shape, and the secondopening 218 is a slot having a generally linear shape. In otherembodiments, however, the first opening 216 and second opening 218 canhave different shapes to accommodate different motions of the firstguide feature 246 and second guide feature 248, respectively.

The frame 210 also includes an aperture 323 that receives the fastener272 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C that secures the first and second housingportions 270 to the latch assembly 100. The frame 210 also includes afirst recess 322 and a stop 324 along an edge portion 321. The recess322 receives the biasing member 274 (FIG. 2C) which presses against thestop 324 and urges the actuator 250 toward the distal end portion 311 ofthe frame 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the medial portion of theframe has a reduced height in relation to the distal end portion 311 andthe proximal end portion 325. In other embodiments, however, the frame210 can have other shapes and/or configurations.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the latch 230. In the illustrated embodiment,the second jaw 232 has a second inclined surface 333 to facilitateinserting the anchor 102 into the latch assembly 100 (FIGS. 2A-2C). Forexample, as the latch assembly 100 is pressed against the anchor 102,the anchor 102 contacts the first inclined surface 313 of the first jaw212 and the second inclined surface 333 of the second jaw 232 and movesthe second jaw 232 away from the first jaw 212 so that the anchor 102can be received between the two jaws. The second jaw 232 also has asecond engagement surface 334 configured to engage the anchor 102 withthe first engagement surface 314 of the first jaw 212. In theillustrated embodiment, the second engagement surface 334 includes agenerally hemispherical shape (similar to the first engagement surface314 shown in FIG. 3A) corresponding to an anchor with a generallycircular cross section. The latch assembly 230 further includes a firstaperture 342 positioned to receive at least a portion of the first guidefeature 346, and a second aperture 344 positioned to receive at least aportion of the second guide aperture 348.

FIG. 3C is a rear view of the latch 230 illustrating the first guidefeature 246 and the second guide feature 248 projecting from the latch230. In the illustrated embodiment, the first guide feature 246 and thesecond guide feature 248 each includes a shaft portion 247 and a headportion 249. Each shaft portion 247 is at least partially inserted intothe latch 230. Each head portion 249 is spaced apart from the latch 230and configured to retain the corresponding first guide feature 246 inthe first opening 216 in the frame 210, and the second guide feature 248in the second opening 248 in the frame 210. In certain embodiments, thefirst guide feature 246 and second guide feature 248 can include, forexample, pins, posts, studs, and any other types of suitable guidefeatures projecting from the latch 230. Moreover, in certainembodiments, the first guide feature 246 and the second guide feature248 can be fixedly retained in the latch 230 (e.g., with a press-fit).In other embodiments, however, the first guide feature 246 and thesecond guide feature 248 can be rotatably retained in the latch 230 toallow them to spin with reference to the latch 230. Accordingly, thepresent disclosure is not limited to the particular types of guidefeatures described above or shown in the Figures.

FIGS. 3D and 3E are isometric views of the actuator 250. Referring toFIGS. 3D and 3E together, in the illustrated embodiment the hook endportion 252 has a generally “U”-shaped configuration to engage the firstguide feature 246 (FIG. 2C). More specifically, the hook end portion 252includes a first abutment surface 354 and an opposing second abutmentsurface 355. The hook end portion 252 extends from one side of a medialportion 356 of the actuator 250 and has a reduced width with referenceto the medial portion 356.

The medial portion 356 of the actuator 250 includes a cavity 368configured to receive the biasing member 274. A first end portion 376 ofthe biasing member 274 presses against a corresponding contact surface366 of the cavity 368. The cavity 368 intersects a channel 364 extendingthrough the medial portion 356 as well as a proximal end portion 361 ofthe actuator 250. The medial portion 356 also includes a first cut-awayportion 357 a extending from the hook end portion 252, and a secondcut-away portion 357 b extending from a side surface 358 that isgenerally perpendicular to the hook end portion 252.

The width of the actuator 250 gradually increases from the medialportion 356 toward the proximal end portion 361 forming a raised gripsurface 362. The grip surface 362 enables a user to manually slide orotherwise move the actuator 250 in the direction of the arrow 203 tofacilitate operation of the latch assembly 100 (FIG. 2C). For example, auser can open the latch assembly 100 by pulling the actuator 250 in thedirection of the arrow 203. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe actuator 250 can be any type of button, trigger, pull, etc. that canbe actuated to open the latch assembly 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 250 is configured tocooperate with the frame 210 and the latch 230 within the first andsecond housing portions 270. When the actuator 250 is positioned overthe frame 210 as shown in, for example, FIG. 2C, the frame 210 canmovably slide through the channel 364 of the actuator 250. Moreover, thestop 324 of the frame 210 can also movably slide through the cavity 368of the actuator 250. The reduced width of the hook end portion 252extending from the side surface 358 of the actuator 250 allows the firstand second housing portions 270 to accommodate the actuator 250, thelatch 230, and the frame 210. Moreover, the cut-away portions 357 allowthe actuator 250 to slide within the first and second housing portions270 without interfering with the fastener 272 holding the first andsecond housing portions 270 together.

FIGS. 4A-4C are a series of side views illustrating the latch assembly100 in various stages of opening. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.4A-4C, the latch 230 rotates with reference to the frame 210 about twodifferent pivot points. Referring first to FIG. 4A, when the latchassembly 100 is closed, the actuator 250 biases the latch 230 toward afirst position 410 in which the first jaw 212 and the second jaw 232capture and retain the anchor 102. More specifically, the biasing member274 pushes against the contact surface 366 of the actuator 250 to urgethe actuator 250 toward the latch 230. This causes the second abutmentsurface 355 of the actuator 250 to drive the first guide feature 246toward an upper left portion of the “V”-shaped first opening 216 in theframe 210. When the first guide feature 246 is in this location, thesecond guide feature 248 is positioned toward an upper portion of thesecond opening 218 in the frame 210. With the latch 230 in thisposition, the actuator 250 is at position A in which latch assembly 100retains the anchor 102 between the frame 210 and latch 230 until a useroperates the actuator 250 to release the anchor 102.

In FIG. 4B, the latch assembly 100 is still closed (e.g., the anchor isretained between the first jaw 212 and second jaw 232), but the operator(not shown) has moved the actuator 250 from position A to position Bcausing the latch 230 to rotate about a first pivot point 404 at theanchor 102. As the actuator 250 moves in the direction of arrow 203 a tothe intermediate position B, the latch 230 rotates in the direction ofan arrow 405 from the first position 410 shown in FIG. 4A to the secondposition 412 shown in FIG. 4B. As the latch 230 rotates toward thesecond position 412, the first guide feature 246 slides along the firstabutment surface 354, and the latch 230 pivots about the first pivotpoint 404. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pivot point 404 isat least proximate to the anchor 102. As the latch 230 rotates about thefirst pivot point 404, the first guide feature 246 moves through thefirst opening, and the second guide feature 248 moves through the secondopenings 218 until the second guide feature 248 contacts the pivotsurface 319 of the second opening 218. Although the latch 230 hasrotated into the second position 412, the latch assembly 100 stillretains the anchor 102 between the frame 210 and latch 230.

In FIG. 4C, the operator has moved the actuator 250 to position C torotate the latch 230 to a third position 414 and open the latch assembly100. In the third position 414, the second jaw 232 is rotated in thedirection indicated by arrow 407 to be spaced apart from the first jaw212. To rotate the latch 230 into the third position 414, the actuator250 continues to move in the direction of arrow 203 b from theintermediate position B to an unlocked position C. During this movement,the first abutment surface 354 continues to contact the first guidefeature 246 and drives it toward an upper right portion of the“V”-shaped first opening 216. As the latch 230 pivots to the thirdposition 414, however, the second guide feature 248 does not slidethrough the second opening 218. Instead, the second guide feature 248remains at the pivot surface 319 of the second opening 218 and the latch230 pivots about the second guide feature 248. In the illustratedembodiment, the second guide feature 248 represents a second pivot point406. Accordingly, as the latch 230 rotates about the second pivot point406, the first guide feature 246 moves through the first opening 216.

The embodiments of the latch assembly 100 described above provideseveral advantages over conventional latch assemblies. One advantage,for example, is that the latch 230 has to move through two differentmotions to release the anchor 102 from the latch assembly 100. Forexample, when a user operates the actuator 250, the latch 230 rotatesfrom the first position 410 to the second position 412 about the firstpivot point 404. During this first movement, however, the anchor 102remains engaged between the first jaw 212 and the second jaw 232. Torelease the anchor 102, the latch 230 must be rotated again from thesecond position 412 to the third position 414 about the second pivotpoint 406. Rotating the latch 230 about multiple pivot pointsaccordingly provides an increased number of movements to release theanchor 102 from the latch assembly 100. Pivoting the latch 230 about themultiple pivot points also helps to at least partially prevent anunintentional release of the anchor 102, as the second jaw 232 remainsengaged with the anchor 102 when the latch 230 is in the first positionand the second position 412.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a latch assembly 500 configured inaccordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 5B is anisometric view of the latch assembly 500 with a portion of a housing 571removed for purposes of illustration. The latch assembly 500 can be usedin a number of different restraint systems and in a number of differentways. For example, in one embodiment the latch assembly 500 can be usedin place of the latch assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 to secure thepassenger restraint 110 to the seat 104. More specifically, the latchassembly 500 can be attached to the passenger restraint 110 by means ofthe belt 112 and the adjustable buckle 114 (or a suitable webretractor). The latch assembly 500 can then be releasably coupled to theanchor 102, and a similar latch and anchor arrangement can be used onthe other side of the passenger restraint 110, to securely attach thepassenger restraint 110 to the seat 104. In other embodiments, however,the latch assembly 500 can be attached to other anchors or structures inother arrangements and at other locations in the vehicle 116. Moreover,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the latch assembly 500 canbe used with various types of vehicles (e.g., automobiles, aircraft,watercraft, military vehicles, etc.), and with other types of restraintsystems (e.g., adult passenger, cargo, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B together, the latch assembly 500 includes apivotable member or latch 530 and a latch release actuator 550 operablycoupled to a frame 510. The housing 571 at least partially covers theframe 510, the latch 530, and the actuator 550, and includes a firsthousing portion 570 a attached to a second housing portion 570 b by afastener 572 (e.g., a screw, bolt, rivet, etc.) that extends through anaperture 523 in the frame 510. The latch 530 and the frame 510 can beformed from suitable types of metallic materials including, for example,steel or steel alloy sheet or plate that is stamped, forged, cut,machined, cast, or otherwise formed to shape. In other embodiments, thelatch 530 and/or the frame 510 can be formed from other suitablemetallic materials (e.g., aluminum, titanium, etc.), other suitablenon-metallic materials (e.g., fiber-reinforced resin materials such ascarbon fiber, etc.), and/or other suitable materials known in the art.The actuator 550 and the housing portions 570 can be manufactured fromvarious types of injection molded plastics (e.g., polypropylene or otherthermoplastic polymers), thermosetting resins, fiber-reinforced resins,Delrin®, and/or other suitable materials known in the art.

The latch assembly 500 includes a proximal end portion 504 and a distalend portion 506. The proximal end portion 504 includes a web aperture oropening 526 configured to receive and be securely attached to, forexample, a conventional seat belt, strap or web (e.g., a woven fiberweb), such as the belt 112 illustrated in FIG. 1. Although the webopening 226 of the illustrated embodiment is configured to be attachedto a web, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that inother embodiments the web opening 526 can be configured to be attachedto other members or structures. For example, in some embodiments the webopening 526 can be attached directly to a child seat or other passengerrestraint, or to a structural member carried by the passenger restraint.Accordingly, the latch assembly 500 described herein is not limited tothe particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying Figures, butcan be utilized in a wide variety of applications to secure persons,cargo, equipment, etc. in moving vehicles without departing from thespirit or scope of the present disclosure.

The distal end portion 506 of the latch assembly 500 includes a mouth580 configured to receive a metal bar or anchor 502. The anchor 502 canbe at least generally similar in structure and function to the anchor102 described above with reference to FIG. 1. As described in greaterdetail below, a latch blocking member or blocker 590 holds the latch 530in the open position as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B until the mouth580 is pushed over the anchor 502 and the anchor 502 pushes the latchblocker 590 back in a direction indicated by arrow 503. When the blocker590 has moved back a sufficient amount, it allows the latch 530 torotate downwardly in a direction indicated by arrow 505. The frame 510includes a first jaw 512 and the latch 530 includes a correspondingsecond jaw 532. When the latch 530 rotates downwardly, the first jaw 512cooperates with the second jaw 532 to engage the anchor 502 and attachthe latch assembly 500 to the anchor 502.

As described in greater detail below, the latch assembly 500 furtherincludes a first guide feature 546 a and a second guide feature 546 bthat project outwardly from a side portion of the latch 530. The firstguide feature 546 a is movably received in a first guide track oropening 516 in the frame 510. The second guide feature 546 b issimilarly received in a second guide track or opening 518 in the frame510. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 550 includes an endportion with a hook-shaped engagement feature 552 that operably engagesthe first guide feature 546 a.

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the frame 510, the latch 530 andthe guide features 546. The frame 510 includes a proximal end portion625, a distal end portion 611, and a medial portion 613 therebetween.The first jaw 512 is positioned toward the distal end portion 611 andincludes a first engagement surface 614 configured to at least partiallyengage the anchor 502 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). In the illustrated embodiment,the first engagement surface 614 forms a raised lip on the first jaw 512having a radius of curvature that is at least generally similar to thecross-sectional radius of the bar forming the anchor 502. In otherembodiments, however, the first engagement surface 614 can have othershapes. For example, the first engagement surface 614 can haverectilinear and/or other shapes to facilitate retention of the anchor502 in the mouth 580 of the latch assembly 500. The frame 510 furtherincludes a first recess 628 configured to slidably retain the latchblocker 590 (FIGS. 5A and 5B) adjacent to the first engagement surface614. In the illustrated embodiment, the first recess 628 includesparallel first and second side surfaces 630 and 632, respectively,terminating in a contact surface 626.

The first opening 516 and the second opening 518 extend through theframe 510 proximate the distal end portion 611. In the illustratedembodiment, the first opening 516 is a non-circular opening that forms aslot having a generally “V” shape with a first semi-circular end portion650 a and a second semi-circular end portion 650 b. The second opening518 is a non-circular opening that forms a slot having a generallystraight or linear shape with a first semi-circular end portion 652 aand a second semi-circular end portion 652 b. As described in greaterdetail below, the first end portion 652 a of the second opening 518forms a pivot surface 619. In other embodiments, however, the firstopening 516 and the second opening 518, and the corresponding first andsecond end portions 650 and 652, can have other shapes to, for example,accommodate different motions of the first guide feature 546 a and thesecond guide feature 546 b.

An edge portion 621 of the frame 510 includes a second recess 622 and astop 624. As described in greater detail below, the second recess 622receives a biasing member (e.g., a coil spring; not shown in FIG. 6)that presses against the stop 624 and urges the actuator 550 (FIGS. 5Aand 5B) toward the distal end portion 611 of the frame 510. In theillustrated embodiment, the medial portion 613 of the frame 510 has areduced height in relation to the distal end portion 611 and a proximalend portion 625. In other embodiments, however, the frame 510 can haveother shapes and/or configurations without departing from the spirit orscope of the present disclosure.

Referring next to the latch 530, the latch 530 of the illustratedembodiment is a pivotal member (e.g., a lever, catch, etc.) havingsecond jaw 532 that includes a projection or tip portion with a secondengagement surface 634 configured to cooperate with the first engagementsurface 614 of the first jaw 512 to engage and retain the anchor 502within the mouth 580 when the latch 530 is in the closed position. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the second engagement surface 634 includes arecess having a generally semi-circular shape with a radius of curvaturethat is at least generally similar to the radius of curvature of thefirst engagement surface 614. As a result, when closed together thefirst engagement surface 614 and the second engagement surface 634 canat least approximate the cross-sectional shape of the bar forming theanchor 502. In other embodiments, however, the second engagement surface634 can have other shapes including, for example, other circular andnon-circular (e.g., rectilinear) shapes.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the latch 530 includes a finger ortab 635 that extends downwardly between the second engagement surface634 and a clearance recess 638. The tab 635 includes an abutment surface636 on a distal portion thereof. As described in greater detail below, aside portion of the blocker 590 includes a corresponding blockingsurface that contacts the abutment surface 636 and holds the latch 530in the open position until an anchor or other structure pushes theblocker 590 inwardly in the direction of arrow 503 (FIG. 5B). When thathappens, the side portion of the blocker 590 moves into the clearancerecess 638 and allows the latch 530 to rotate downwardly in thedirection of arrow 505 (FIG. 5B) into the closed position.

The latch 530 can also include a first aperture 642 a configured toreceive at least a portion of the first guide feature 546 a, and asecond aperture 642 b configured to receive at least a portion of thesecond guide feature 546 b. More specifically, in the illustratedembodiment, the first and second guide features 546 each include acylindrical shaft portion 647 (identified individually as a first shaftportion 647 a and a second shaft portion 647 b) and a corresponding headportion 649 (identified individually as a first head portion 649 a and asecond head portion 649 b) that is larger than the shaft portion 647.The first shaft portion 647 a is configured to be inserted through thefirst opening 516 in the frame 510 and then into the first aperture 642a in the latch 530. Similarly, the second shaft portion 647 b isconfigured to be inserted through the second opening 518 and into thesecond aperture 642 b. In certain embodiments, the guide features 546can be fixedly retained in the latch apertures 642 by, for example, apress-fit. In other embodiments, the guide features 546 can be fixed tothe latch 530 by other suitable means known in the art (e.g., adhesives,swaging, welding, lock rings, etc.), or the latch 530 can be machined,cast, or otherwise formed so that the guide features 546 (or portionsthereof) are integral parts of the latch 530. Although the shaftportions 647 and the head portions 649 of the illustrated embodiment arecylindrical, in other embodiments one or both of these features can haveother shapes. In still further embodiments, the guide features 546 canbe rotatably retained in the latch apertures 642 to allow them (orportions thereof) to spin with reference to the latch 530 to facilitatemovement of the latch 530 relative to the frame 510.

In the foregoing manner, the guide features 546 movably attach the latch530 to the frame 510, and enable pivotal movement of the latch 530 viamovement of the guide features 546 through the corresponding openings516 and 518. The guide features 546 can include, for example, metal(e.g., steel) pins, posts, studs, and/or other types of suitablefeatures projecting from the latch 530 to movably couple the latch 530to the frame 510. In yet other embodiments, it is contemplated that thelatch 530 can include non-circular openings similar to the openings 516and 518, and guide features similar to the guide features 546 can befixedly attached to the frame 510 to enable the desired pivotal movementof the latch 530. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited tothe particular embodiments of guide features or guide featurearrangements described above or shown in the corresponding Figures.

FIGS. 7A-7C are enlarged rear isometric, front isometric, and rear endviews, respectively, of the latch blocker 590 configured in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C together,the blocker 590 includes a first side portion 702 spaced apart from asecond side portion 704 by a channel 712 extending therebetween. Aninner surface of the first side portion 702 includes a first recess orcutout 710 a, and an opposing inner surface of the second side portion704 includes a corresponding second cutout 710 b. The cutouts 710 arecylindrical in shape and are configured to accommodate a biasing member(e.g., a coil spring; not shown in FIGS. 7A-7C) positioned in thechannel 712 with one end supported by a contact surface 708. An upperguide surface 714 extends from the contact surface 708 to a flange 719,and a lower guide surface 716 extends from the contact surface 708 to aforward edge 718. A bearing surface 724 for contacting anchors and otherattach structures extends upwardly from the forward edge 718.

As shown to good effect in FIG. 7B, the second side portion 704 includesa blocking surface 706 extending at least generally horizontally betweenan angled front surface 720 and an angled rear surface 722. As describedin greater detail below, the blocking surface 706 is configured tocontact the abutment surface 636 on the latch tab 635 (FIG. 6) and holdthe latch 530 in the open position, until an anchor or other structurepushes the blocker 590 back into the mouth 580 (FIG. 5A) and allows thelatch 530 to rotate downwardly to the closed position.

The blocker 590 can be manufactured from various types of plastic (e.g.,polypropylene or other thermoplastic polymers), thermosetting resins,fiber-reinforced resins, Delrin®, and/or other suitable materials knownin the art. In other embodiments, the blocker 590 can be formed fromsuitable metals including, for example, steel, aluminum, etc. that isstamped, forged, cut, machined, cast, or otherwise formed to shape.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view illustrating the blocker 590 installed onthe frame 510 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.Referring to FIGS. 6, 7A-7C, and 8 together, to install the blocker 590on the frame 510, a first biasing member 820 (e.g., a coil spring) isinserted between the cutouts 710 in the blocker 590. With the biasingmember 820 in place, the blocker 590 is slid into the first recess 628in the frame 510 so that the lower guide surface 716 on the blocker 590contacts the first side surface 630 of the recess 628, and the upperguide surface 714 on the blocker 590 contacts the second side surface632 of the recess 628. The blocker 590 is pushed into the first recess628 until the forward edge 718 of the blocker 590 contacts the firstengagement surface 614 of the first jaw 512. In this configuration, thebiasing member 820 is compressed between the contact surface 708 on theblocker 590 and the opposing contact surface 626 on the frame 510.

As described in greater detail below, when an anchor or other structuremoves into the mouth 580 and pushes against the bearing surface 724 ofthe blocker 590, the blocker 590 moves back in the direction of arrow503 and further compresses the biasing member 820. This allows the latch530 to pivot in the direction of arrow 505 to the closed position.Conversely, the compressed biasing member 820 urges the blocking member590 outwardly in the direction of arrow 805 to release the anchor whenthe latch 530 pivots in the direction of arrow 807 to the open positionshown in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are enlarged rear and front isometric views,respectively, of the actuator 550 configured in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B together, theactuator 550 includes a proximal end portion 961, a distal end portion951, and a medial portion 956 therebetween. The proximal end portion 961includes a first side portion 982 spaced apart from a second sideportion 984 by a longitudinal channel 964 extending therebetween. Acavity 968 having a contact surface 966 extends downwardly between thefirst side portion 982 and the second side portion 984 and opens intothe channel 964. As described in greater detail below, the cavity 968 isconfigured to receive a second biasing member (e.g., a coil spring) thatpresses against the contact surface 966.

The first side portion 982 and the second side portion 984 each includea grip surface 962 (identified individually as a first grip surface 962a and a second grip surface 962 b). In the illustrated embodiment, thegrip surfaces 962 flare outwardly toward the proximal end portion 961 tofacilitate manipulation of the actuator 550 by a user (not shown). Morespecifically, the grip surfaces 962 facilitate grasping the actuator 550and moving it in the direction of arrow 503 (FIG. 5B) to release thelatch assembly 500 from the anchor 502. The first side portion 982includes a first cut-out or cut-away portion 957 a extending between thefirst grip surface 962 a and the distal end portion 951. The second sideportion 984 terminates in a second cut-away portion 957 b thattransitions to a perpendicular face 958.

As shown to good effect in FIG. 9B, the distal end portion 951 extendsfrom the first side portion 982. In the illustrated embodiment, theengagement feature 952 has a generally “U”-shaped configuration thatmovably engages the first guide feature 546 a (FIG. 5B). Morespecifically, the engagement feature 552 includes a first abutmentsurface 954 (FIG. 9A) and an opposing second abutment surface 955 (FIG.9B), which alternately bear against the first guide feature 546 a inoperation depending on the direction of movement of the actuator 550.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view illustrating the actuator 550 installed onthe frame 510 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Asthis view illustrates, the engagement feature 552 is operably coupled tothe first guide feature 546 a, and the channel 964 is positioned overthe medial portion 621 of the frame 510. A second biasing member 1074 isinstalled in the cavity 968 and compressed between the contact surface966 on the actuator 550 and an opposing contact surface on the framestop 624. During operation of the latch assembly 500, the actuator 550can slide back and forth on the frame 510.

After the actuator 550 has been installed on the frame 510 as shown inFIG. 10, the first and second housing portions 570 can be joinedtogether as shown in FIG. 5A. The fastener 572 can then be insertedthrough an aperture in the second housing portion 570 b and the aperture523 in the frame 510, and engaged with the first housing portion 570 a(by, e.g., threading the fastener 572 into a corresponding threaded holein the first housing portion 570 a, a nut, etc.). The reduced width ofthe distal end portion 951 of the actuator 550 allows the first andsecond housing portions 570 to accommodate the actuator 550, the latch530, and the frame 510. Moreover, the cut-away portions 957 allow theactuator 550 to slide within the first and second housing portions 570without interfering with the fastener 572.

FIGS. 11A-11F are a series of side views illustrating various stages ofoperation of the latch assembly 500 in accordance with an embodiment ofthe disclosure. FIGS. 11A, 11C, and 11E are left side views with thesecond housing portion 570 b removed for purposes of illustration, andFIGS. 11B, 11D, and 11F are corresponding right side views with thefirst housing portion 570 a removed for purposes of illustration. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11F, the latch 530 rotates about twodifferent pivot points during operation.

In FIGS. 11A and 11B, the anchor 502 has pushed the blocker 590 back inthe direction of arrow 503, and the actuator 550 has biased the latch530 toward a first position 1110 in which the first jaw 512 and thesecond jaw 532 capture and retain the anchor 502. More specifically, thebiasing member 1074 (FIG. 10) pushes against the contact surface 966 ofthe actuator 550 and urges the actuator 550 in the direction of arrow805 to position A. This causes the second abutment surface 955 of theengagement feature 552 to drive the first guide feature 546 a toward thefirst end portion 650 a of the “V”-shaped first opening 516. When thefirst guide feature 546 a is in this location, the second guide feature546 b is positioned toward the second end portion 652 b of the secondopening 518.

When the actuator 550 is at position A, the latch 530 is in the firstposition 1110 and the latch assembly 500 is closed. Moreover, the latchassembly 500 will remain closed and attached to the anchor 502 until auser (not shown) moves the actuator 550 in the direction of arrow 503 asdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 11C-11F.

In FIGS. 11C and 11D, the latch assembly 500 is still closed (i.e., theanchor 502 is still retained between the first jaw 512 and second jaw532), but the user has moved the actuator 550 in the direction of arrow503 from position A to position B. As the actuator 550 moves in thismanner, the first abutment surface 954 of the engagement feature 552pulls the first guide feature 546 a away from the first end portion 650a of the first opening 516. At the same time, the second guide feature546 b moves downwardly through the second opening 518 until it contactsthe pivot surface 619. This movement causes the latch 530 to rotateabout the anchor 502 in the direction of arrow 1105 from the firstposition 1110 (FIG. 11A) to a second position 1112. Accordingly, in theillustrated embodiment a cross-sectional center portion 1104 of theanchor 502 can represent a first pivot point of the latch 530. Althoughthe latch 530 rotates to the second position 1112 when the actuator ismoved to position B, the latch assembly 500 still remains attached tothe anchor 502.

Referring next to FIGS. 11E and 11F, to fully release the latch assembly500 from the anchor 502, the user continues moving the actuator 550 inthe direction of arrow 503 from position B toward position C. As theactuator 550 moves in this manner, the first abutment surface 954continues to contact the first guide feature 546 a and drive it towardthe second end portion 650 b of the first opening 516. The second guidefeature 546 b, however, remains at the first end portion 652 a of thesecond opening 518 in contact with the pivot surface 619. As a result,the latch 530 rotates about the second guide feature 546 b in thedirection of arrow 807 from the second position 1112 (FIG. 11C) to athird position 1114. Accordingly, when the second guide feature 546 b ispositioned at the pivot surface 619, a cross-sectional center portion1106 of the second guide feature 546 b can represent a second pivotpoint of the latch 530. When the actuator 550 is at position C, thelatch 530 is in the third position 1114 and the latch assembly 500 isopen.

As shown by comparing FIG. 11D to FIG. 11F, when the actuator 550 ismoved back to position C and the latch assembly 500 is moved away fromthe anchor 502, the first biasing member 820 drives the blocker 590forward in the direction of arrow 805 until the blocking surface 706moves under the abutment surface 636 and holds the latch 530 in the openposition. The forward movement of the blocker 590 can help eject theanchor 502 from the latch mouth 580. The first guide feature 546 a holdsthe actuator 550 back in position C against the compressive force of thesecond biasing member 1074. The latch 530 will remain in the openposition until the anchor 502 or other structure pushes the blockingsurface 706 back in the direction of arrow 503 and out from under theabutment surface 636.

Returning to FIGS. 11C and 11D, when the anchor 502 presses against theblocker 590 and pushes it back in the direction of arrow 503, theblocking surface 706 moves back toward the clearance recess 638 of thelatch 530 and out of the way of the abutment surface 636. This allowsthe latch 530 to rotate downwardly in the direction of arrow 505 andcapture the anchor 502 between the latch engagement surface 634 and theframe engagement surface 614. More specifically, the second biasingmember 1074 (FIG. 10) urges the second abutment surface 955 of theengagement feature 552 against the first guide feature 546 a. Thisdrives the first guide feature 546 a from the second end portion 650 bof the “V”-shaped first opening 516 toward the vertex of the firstopening 516. As the first guide feature 546 a moves along this path, thelatch 530 rotates about the second pivot point 1106 in the direction ofarrow 505 and the actuator 550 moves from position C to position B.

Returning next to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the second biasing member 1074continues to drive the actuator 550 in the direction of arrow 805 fromposition B to position A. This causes the first guide feature 546 a tomove toward the first end portion 650 a of the first opening 516 and thesecond guide feature 546 b to move toward the second end portion 652 bof the second opening 518. As the guide features 546 move along thesepaths, the latch 530 rotates about the first pivot point 1104 in thedirection of arrow 1107 to the first position 1110. When the latch 530is in this position, the actuator 550 is at position A and the latchassembly 500 is closed about the anchor 502.

FIG. 12A is an isometric view of a latch assembly 1200 configured inaccordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 12B is anisometric view of the latch assembly 1200 with a housing 1271 removedfor purposes of illustration. As with the latch assemblies 100 and 500described in detail above, the latch assembly 1200 can be used for anumber of different restraint systems and in a number of differentarrangements. In one embodiment, for example, the latch assembly 1200can be used in place of the latch assembly 100 (or the latch assembly500) to secure the passenger restraint 110 to the seat 104 as shown inFIG. 1. In other embodiments, however, the latch assembly 1200 can beattached to other anchors in other arrangements in the vehicle 116 aswell as other types of vehicles.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B together, many features of the latchassembly 1200 are at least generally similar in structure and functionto corresponding features of the latch assembly 500 described above withreference to FIGS. 5A-11F. For example, the latch assembly 1200 includesa pivotable member or latch 1230 operably coupled to a frame 1210. Liketheir counterparts described above, the latch 1230 and the frame 1210can be formed from suitable types of metals including, for example,steel, stainless steel, or steel alloy plate or sheet that is stamped,forged, cut, machined, cast and/or otherwise formed to shape. In otherembodiments, the latch 1230 and/or the frame 1210 can be formed fromother suitable metallic materials (e.g., aluminum, titanium, etc.),other suitable non-metallic materials (e.g., fiber-reinforced resinmaterials such as graphite epoxy, carbon fiber, etc.), and/or othermaterials having suitable strength, manufacturing, cost and/or othercharacteristics known in the art. The housing 1271 includes a bottom orfirst portion 1270 a that fits together with a top or second portion1270 b. The housing portions 1270 can be manufactured from various typesof injection-molded plastic (e.g., polypropylene or other thermoplasticpolymers), thermal-setting resins, fiber-reinforced resins, and/or othersuitable materials known in the art.

As described in greater detail below, in one aspect of this embodimentthe latch assembly 1200 further includes a release actuator in the formof a lanyard-type pull web or pull strap 1250. The pull strap 1250extends through an aperture in the second housing portion 1270 b and isfixedly attached to the latch 1230. The pull strap 1250 can be formedfrom various types of strong and flexible materials, including wovenfabric materials typically used for seat belts or webbing (e.g., wovennylon, polypropylene, polyester, etc.). In other embodiments, the pullstrap can be manufactured from plastics, nylon, leather, and/or othermaterials having suitable strength.

The latch assembly 1200 includes a proximal end portion 1204 and adistal end portion 1206. The proximal end portion 1204 includes a webaperture or opening 1226 configured to receive and be securely attachedto, for example, a conventional seatbelt, strap or web (e.g., a wovenfiber web), such as the belt 112 illustrated in FIG. 1. A web or otherstructure can be attached to the frame 1210 via the opening 1226 usingany number of different techniques known in the art (e.g., by passing anend portion of the web through the opening 1226 and then stitching theend portion to the web to form a closed loop). In addition, those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments aweb can be attached to the frame 1210 using other known techniques, suchas fasteners. Moreover, in still further embodiments, the web opening1226 can be configured to be attached to other members and/or otherstructures. For example, in some embodiments the web opening 1226 can beattached directly to a child seat or other passenger restraint, or to astructural member carried by the child seat, passenger restraint orvehicle. Accordingly, the latch assembly 1200 described herein is notlimited to the particular methods of use illustrated in the accompanyingfigures and described herein, but can be utilized in a wide variety ofapplications to secure persons, cargo, equipment, etc. in movingvehicles without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentdisclosure.

The distal end portion 1206 of the latch assembly 1200 includes a mouth1280 configured to receive a structural member such as a metal bar oranchor 1202. The anchor 1202 can be at least generally similar instructure and function to the anchors 102 and 502 described above withreference to FIGS. 1, 5A and 5B, respectively.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the latch assembly 1200 includes afirst guide feature 1246 a and a second guide feature 1246 b thatproject outwardly from a side portion of the latch 1230. The first guidefeature 1246 a is movably received in a first guide track or opening1216 in the frame 1210. The second guide feature 1246 b is similarlyreceived in a second guide track or opening 1218 in the frame 1210. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the guide features 1246 include pins thatextend through the respective openings 1216 and 1218 and allow the latch1230 to pivot back and forth as the guide features 1246 travel from oneend of their respective opening to the other.

An ejector 1290 is biased forward in the mouth 1280 by a first biasingmember 1220. In the illustrated embodiment, the first biasing member1220 is a torsion spring having one or more windings which extend arounda cylindrical stud 1222 that protrudes outwardly from a side portion ofthe frame 1210. The torsion spring can be formed from metallic wire,spring steel wire, and/or other suitable materials known in the art. Thefirst biasing member 1220 includes a first end portion 1224 a thatoperably bears against the first guide feature 1246 a, and a second endportion 1224 b that operably bears against a contact surface 1208 on anaft portion of the ejector 1290.

As described in greater detail below, a second biasing member (not shownin FIGS. 12A and 12B) holds the latch 1230 in the open positionillustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B until the anchor 1202 pushes theejector 1290 back in the direction indicated by arrow 1203. As theejector 1290 moves back, the contact surface 1208 pushes against thesecond end portion 1224 b of the first biasing member 1220. This createsa torsional force in the first biasing member 1220 that causes the firstend portion 1224 a to press against the first guide feature 1246 a anddrive the first guide feature 1246 a forward and downward in the firstopening 1216. The torsional force provided by the first biasing member1220 overcomes the spring force (in the second biasing member) holdingthe latch 1230 in the open position. As a result, continued movement ofthe ejector 1290 in the direction indicated by arrow 1203 causes thefirst guide feature 1246 a to continue moving forward and upward in thefirst opening 1216 until the latch 1230 fully closes about the anchor1202.

The frame 1210 includes a first jaw 1212 and the latch 1230 includes acorresponding second jaw 1232. When the latch 1230 rotates downwardly,the first jaw 1212 cooperates with the second jaw 1232 to capture andretain the anchor 1202. These and other details of the latch assembly1200 are described in greater detail below.

FIG. 13 is an exploded rear isometric view of the latch assembly 1200configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In theillustrated embodiment, the first jaw 1212 includes a first engagementsurface 1314 configured to at least partially engage the anchor 1202(FIGS. 12A and 12B). The first engagement surface 1314 forms a raisedlip on the first jaw 1212 having a radius of curvature that is at leastgenerally similar to the cross-sectional radius of the bar forming theanchor 1202. In other embodiments, however, the first engagement surface1314 can have other shapes.

Turning next to the latch 1230, the second jaw 1232 includes a secondengagement surface 1334 configured to cooperate with the firstengagement surface 1314 to engage and retain the anchor 1202 within themouth 1280 when the latch 1230 is in the closed position. In theillustrated embodiment, the second engagement surface 1334 has agenerally semi-circular shape with a radius of curvature that is atleast generally similar to the radius of curvature of the firstengagement surface 1314. As a result, the first engagement surface 1314and the second engagement surface 1334 can at least approximate thecross-sectional shape of the anchor 1202 when closed together. In otherembodiments, however, the second engagement surface 1334 can have othershapes including, for example, other circular and non-circular (e.g.,rectilinear) shapes.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the latch 1230 includes a firstaperture 1342 a configured to receive at least a portion (e.g., a distalend portion) of the first guide feature 1246 a, and a second aperture1342 b configured to receive at least a portion of the second guidefeature 1246 b. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, thefirst and second guide features 1246 each include a cylindrical shaftportion 1347 (identified individually as a first shaft portion 1347 aand a second shaft portion 1347 b) and a corresponding head portion 1349(identified individually as a first head portion 1349 a and a secondhead portion 1349 b) that is larger than the corresponding shaft portion1347. The first shaft portion 1347 a is inserted through the firstopening 1216 in the frame 1210 and then into the first aperture 1342 ain the latch 1230. Similarly, the second shaft portion 1347 b isinserted through the second opening 1218 and into the second aperture1342 b. As with the guide features 546 described above with referenceto, e.g., FIG. 6, the guide features 1246 can be fixedly retained in theapertures 1342 by a number of suitable methods known in the artincluding, for example, press-fit, staking, adhesive, welding, lockrings, etc. In addition to the foregoing features, in the illustratedembodiment, the proximal end portion of the latch 1230 includes a flange1380 having an aperture 1382 formed therein to receive a distal endportion 1358 a of the pull strap 1250. As described in greater detailbelow, the distal end portion 1358 a of the pull strap 1250 passesthrough the aperture 1382 to fixedly attach the pull strap 1250 to thelatch 1230.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening 1216 in the frame 1210is a non-circular opening that forms a slot or track having a generally“V”-shape with a first semi-circular end portion 1350 a and a secondsemi-circular end portion 1350 b. The second opening 1218 is similarly anon-circular opening that forms a slot having a straight, or an at leastapproximately straight shape with a first semi-circular end portion 1352a and a second semi-circular end portion 1352 b. In other embodiments,the first opening 1216 and the second opening 1218, and thecorresponding first and second end portions 1350 and 1352, respectively,can have other shapes to, for example, accommodate different motions ofthe first guide feature 1246 a and/or the second guide feature 1246 b.

As mentioned above, the latch assembly 1200 also includes a secondbiasing member 1374. In the illustrated embodiment, the second biasingmember 1374 is a coil spring having a first end portion 1378 a formed inthe shape of a hook, and a second end portion 1378 b that is also formedinto a hook shape. The first end portion 1378 a is engaged with a springaperture 1376 in the frame 1210, and the second end portion 1378 b isengaged with the proximal end portion of the latch 1230 via the aperture1382. In operation, the second biasing member 1374 is stretched intension and biases the latch 1230 toward the open position (FIGS. 12Aand 12B). In other embodiments, the second biasing member 1374 can haveother configurations and/or be made from other materials. For example,in one embodiment the second biasing member 1374 can be a rubber orother elastic member, or a torsion spring that biases the latch 1230toward the open position. Moreover, in other embodiments the secondbiasing member 1374 can be operably coupled between the latch 1230 andthe frame 1210 (or other member) in other ways, such as with fastenersrather than hooks.

The latch assembly 1200 can be assembled in one embodiment as follows.First, the distal end portion 1358 a of the pull strap 1250 can beinserted through the aperture 1382 in the latch flange 1380 and sewn orotherwise fixedly attached to the latch flange 1380. The latch 1230 canthen be moveably coupled to the frame 1210 via the guide features 1246.Next, the second biasing member 1374 can be operably extended betweenthe aperture 1382 in the latch flange 1380 and the spring aperture 1376in the frame 1210. The first biasing member 1220 can then be positionedover the stud 1222 as illustrated in FIG. 12B. The ejector 1290 can thenbe positioned in its forward location in the first housing portion 1270a, followed by the frame 1210 and latch 1230 sub-assembly. Once thesecomponents are properly positioned in the first housing portion 1270 a,the pull strap 1250 can be fed through a strap aperture 1362 in thesecond housing portion 1270 b, and the second housing portion 1270 b canbe mated to the first housing portion 1270 a so that the frame 1210 fitsneatly into a slot 1364 formed in a proximal end portion of the secondhousing portion 1270 b. Once the first and second housing portions 1270are properly fit together as shown in FIG. 12A, a screw or othersuitable fastener(s) 1372 can be inserted through a suitable aperture inthe first housing portion 1370 a and threadably engaged withcorresponding socket on the second housing portion 1370 b to completeassembly.

FIGS. 14A-14F are a series of views illustrating various stages ofoperation of the latch assembly 1200 with the housing 1271 removed forpurposes of illustration and clarity. FIGS. 14A, 14C and 14E are leftside views of the latch assembly 1200, and FIGS. 14B, 14D and 14F arecorresponding right side views of the latch assembly 1200. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14F, the latch 1230 rotates abouttwo different pivot points during operation.

Referring first to FIGS. 14A and 14B together, the anchor 1202 haspushed the ejector 1290 back in the direction of arrow 1203, and theresulting torsional force on the first biasing member 1220 has causedthe first end portion 1224 a to drive the latch 1230 toward a firstposition 1410 in which the first jaw 1212 and the second jaw 1232capture and retain the anchor 1202. More specifically, the first endportion 1224 a of the first biasing member 1220 pushes against the firstguide feature 1246 a, and drives the first guide feature 1246 a towardthe first end portion 1350 a of the “V”-shaped first opening 1216. Whenthe first guide feature 1246 a is in this location, the second guidefeature 1246 b is positioned toward the second end portion 1352 b of thesecond opening 1218.

When a proximal end portion 1358 b of the pull strap 1250 is in positionA and the latch 1230 is in the first position 1410, the latch assembly1200 is closed. Moreover, the latch assembly 1200 will remain closed andattached to the anchor 1202 until a user (not shown) grasps the pullstrap 1250 and pulls it in the direction of arrow 1203 as describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 14C-14F.

As shown in FIG. 14B, when the latch assembly 1200 is in the first andclosed position 1410, the second biasing member 1374 is extended intension. Although the tension force tends to pull the latch 1230 back inthe direction of arrow 1203 and pivot the latch about the anchor 1202,the torsional resistance applied by the first biasing member 1220 (FIG.14A) overcomes the tension in the second biasing member 1374 and, as aresult, holds the latch 1230 in the closed position 1410.

Referring next to FIGS. 14C and 14D, in these views the latch assembly1200 is still closed (i.e., the anchor 1202 is still retained betweenthe first jaw 1212 and the second jaw 1232), but the user has pulled theproximal end portion 1358 b of the pull strap 1250 back in the directionof arrow 1203 from position A to position B. As the pull strap 1250moves in this direction, it pulls on the latch 1230 and overcomes thetorsional resistance of the first biasing member 1220, causing the firstguide feature 1246 a to move away from the first end portion 1350 a ofthe first opening 1216. At the same time, the second guide feature 1246b moves downwardly through the second opening 1218 until it contacts thepivot surface at the first end portion 1352 a. This movement causes thelatch 1230 to rotate about the anchor 1202 in the direction of arrow1405 from the first position 1410 (FIG. 14A) to a second position 1412.Although the latch 1230 rotates to the second position 1412 when thepull strap is moved to position B, the latch assembly 1200 still remainsattached to the anchor 1202.

Referring next to FIGS. 14E and 14F, to fully release the latch assembly1200 from the anchor 1202, the user continues pulling the proximal endportion 1358 b of the pull strap 1250 in the direction of arrow 1203from position B toward position C. As the pull strap 1250 moves in thisdirection, it pulls on the latch 1230, causing the first guide feature1246 a to move toward the second end portion 1350 b of the first opening1216. The second guide feature 1246 b, however, remains at the first endportion 1352 a of the second opening 1218. As a result, the latch 1230rotates or pivots about the second guide feature 1246 b in the directionof arrow 1407 from the second position 1412 (FIG. 14C) to a thirdposition 1414. When the proximal end portion 1358 b of the pull strap1250 is in position C, the latch 1230 is in the third position 1414 andthe latch assembly 1200 is open.

As illustrated by comparing FIG. 14C to FIG. 14E, when the pull strap1250 is moved back to position C and the latch assembly 1200 is movedaway from the anchor 1202, the torsional force in the first biasingmember 1220 causes the second end portion 1224 b of the first biasingmember 1220 to drive the ejector 1290 forward in the direction of arrow1408 and push the anchor 1202 away from the latch mouth 1280 (or,conversely, push the latch assembly 1200 away from the anchor 1202). Thesecond biasing member 1374 holds the latch 1230 back in the openposition 1414, and the latch 1230 will remain in this position until theanchor 1202 or another structure pushes the ejector 1290 back in thedirection of arrow 1203.

Returning to FIGS. 14C and 14D, when the anchor 1202 presses against theejector 1290 and pushes it back in the direction of arrow 1203, thetorsional force in the first biasing member 1220 overcomes the tensionin the second biasing member 1374 and drives the first guide feature1246 a forward in the first opening 1216. This causes the latch 1230 torotate downwardly in the direction of arrow 1409 and capture the anchor1202 between the latch engagement surface 1334 and the frame engagementsurface 1314 (FIG. 13). More specifically, the first end portion 1224 aof the first biasing member 1220 urges the first guide feature 1246 afrom the second end portion 1350 b of the “V”-shaped first opening 1216toward the vertex of the first opening 1216. As the first guide feature1246 a moves along this path, the latch 1230 rotates in the direction ofarrow 1409 about the second guide feature 1246 b and the pull strap 1250moves from position C to position B.

Returning next to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the first biasing member 1220continues to drive the first guide feature 1246 a toward the first endportion 1350 a of the first opening 1216. Concurrently, the second guidefeature 1246 b moves toward the second end portion 1352 b of the secondopening 1218. As the guide features 1246 move along their respectivepaths, the latch 1230 rotates about the anchor 1202 in the direction ofarrow 1406 to the first position 1410. When the latch 1230 is in thisposition, the proximal end portion 1358 b of the pull strap 1250 hasreturned to position A and the latch assembly 1200 is fully closed aboutthe anchor 1202.

FIG. 15A is an isometric view of a latch assembly 1500 configured inaccordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 15B is anisometric view of the latch assembly 1500 with a housing 1571 removedfor purposes of clarity. The housing 1571 includes a bottom or firstportion 1570 a that fits neatly together with a complimentary top orsecond portion 1570 b to enclose a portion of the latch assembly 1500therewithin. As with the housing portions 1270 discussed above withreference to FIGS. 12A-13, the housing portions 1570 can be manufacturedfrom various types of suitable materials known in the art including, forexample, injection-molded plastic materials, thermosetting resins, etc.,and can be joined together by one or more screws or other suitablefasteners.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B together, in these views the latchassembly 1500 is open prior to engagement with a structural member, suchas a metal bar or anchor 1502. The anchor 1502 can be at least generallysimilar in structure and function to the anchors 102, 502 and 1202described above. Many features of the latch assembly 1500 can be atleast generally similar in structure and function to correspondingfeatures of the latch assembly 1200 described in detail above withreference to FIGS. 12A-14F. For example, the latch assembly 1500includes a frame 1510 having a web aperture or opening 1526. The opening1526 is positioned toward a proximal end portion 1504 of the latchassembly 1500, and is configured to receive, for example, a conventionalseat belt or web, such as the belt 112 described above with reference toFIG. 1. As discussed above with reference to the latch assembly 1200,the web, belt or other member can be attached to the frame 1510 via theopening 1526 using any number of suitable methods known in the art. Suchmethods include, for example, passing an end portion of the web throughthe opening 1526 and then stitching the end portion to the web to form aclosed loop through the opening 1526. In other embodiments, a belt orweb can be attached to the frame 1510 using rivets and/or other types ofsuitable fasteners known in the art.

In still further embodiments, the frame 1510 can be attached tostructures and/or members other than a belt or web. For example, in someembodiments the frame 1510 can be attached directly to a child seat,passenger restraint, or other portion of the vehicle (or to a structuralmember carried by the child seat, passenger restraint, or other portionof the vehicle) via the opening 1526 or via another portion of the frame1510. In yet other embodiments, an adjustable buckle (e.g., theadjustable buckle 114 shown in FIG. 1), a web adjuster, or a webretractor can be fixedly attached to the latch assembly 1500 orotherwise incorporated into the latch assembly 1500 toward the proximalend portion 1504. In these embodiments, the belt or web can be operablycoupled to the latch assembly 1500 via the adjustable buckle, webadjuster, or retractor.

As with the latch assemblies 100, 500 and 1200 described in detailabove, the latch assembly 1500 can be used in a number of differentrestraint systems and in a number of different arrangements. In oneembodiment, for example, the latch assembly 1500 can be used in place ofthe latch assembly 100 to secure the child safety seat (passengerrestraint 110) to the seat 104 as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments,however, the latch assembly 1500 can be used to secure a child safetyseat to the seat 104 and/or to other portions of the vehicle 116 inother arrangements (e.g., child seat facing forward, aft, etc.). Forexample, in various embodiments the latch assembly 1500 (or the latchassembly 1200, 500 or 100 described above) can be used as a latch in thesystems described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/167,484,entitled “Child Safety Seat Attachment Belt Retractor System,” which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Accordingly, the latchassembly 1500 described herein is not limited to use in the particulararrangements and combinations illustrated in the accompanying figures,but can be utilized in a wide variety of applications and arrangementsto secure child seats, persons, cargo, equipment, etc. in movingvehicles without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentdisclosure.

A distal end portion 1506 of the latch assembly 1500 includes a mouth1580 configured to receive the anchor 1502. A pivotable lever or latch1530 is operably coupled to the frame 1510 proximate the mouth 1580 by afirst guide feature 1546 a and a second guide feature 1546 b. The firstguide feature 1546 a is moveably received in a first guide track oropening 1516 in the frame 1510, and the second guide feature 1546 b ismoveably received in a second opening 1518 in the frame 1510. In theillustrated embodiment, the first and second guide features 1546 can beat least generally similar in structure and function to thecorresponding first and second guide features 1246 described in detailabove. As described in greater detail below, the frame 1510 includes afirst jaw 1512 that cooperates with a second jaw 1532 on the latch 1530to capture and retain the anchor 1502 when the anchor 1502 is insertedinto the mouth 1580.

Like their counterparts described above with reference to the latchassembly 1200, the latch 1530, the frame 1510, and/or the guide features1546 can be formed from suitable types of metallic materials. Moreover,the guide features 1546 can be attached to the latch 1530 in a mannerthat is at least generally similar to that described above for the latchassembly 1200. In other embodiments, however, the latch 1530, the frame1510, and/or the guide features 1546 can be formed from non-metallicmaterials (e.g., fiber-reinforced resin materials), and/or othersuitable materials known in the art.

The latch assembly 1500 further includes a first biasing member 1520. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first biasing member 1520 is a torsionspring that is at least generally similar in structure and function tothe first biasing member 1220 described above with reference to FIGS.12B-14F. The torsion spring can be formed from metallic wire, springsteel wire, and/or other suitable materials known in the art. In otherembodiments, the first biasing member 1520 can be replaced or augmentedby one or more other biasing members known in the art, such as flatsprings, hair pin springs, compression springs (e.g., coil springs),rubber members, and/or other resilient members. In one aspect of thisembodiment, however, the first biasing member 1520 includes one or morewindings that extend around a cylindrical sleeve or bushing 1522 (e.g.,a Delrin® bushing, plastic bushing, metal bushing, etc.) that isinserted onto a stud 1513 (e.g., a square stud) that projects outwardlyfrom the frame 1510. The first biasing member 1520 also includes a firstend portion 1524 a that contacts and presses against the first guidefeature 1546 a, and a second end portion 1524 b that presses against anejector 1590. The ejector 1590 is slideably positioned on the frame1510, and is biased forward in the mouth 1580 by the second end portion1524 b of the first biasing member 1520. The ejector 1590 is similar instructure and function to the ejector 1290 described above withreference to FIGS. 12B-14F, but differs in shape as described in moredetail below with reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B.

The latch assembly 1500 further includes a release actuator in the formof a web, tether, or pull strap 1550. The pull strap 1550 is operablycoupled to the latch 1530, and is at least generally similar instructure and function to the pull strap 1250 described in detail abovewith reference to FIGS. 12A-14F. Accordingly, the pull strap 1550 can beformed from various types of durable, strong and flexible materialsknown in the art, including woven fabric materials such as thosetypically used for seatbelts or webbing (e.g., woven nylon,polypropylene, polyester, etc.). In other embodiments, however, thelatch assembly 1500 can utilize other types of release actuators,including both flexible and non-flexible actuators such as push buttons,pull buttons, triggers, etc.

The latch assembly 1500 operates in a manner that is at least generallysimilar to the latch assembly 1200 described in detail above. Furtherdetails describing the operation of the latch assembly 1500 are providedbelow with reference to FIGS. 18A-18F.

FIG. 16 is an exploded rear isometric view of the latch assembly 1500configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In theillustrated embodiment, the bushing 1522 includes an aperture 1624(e.g., a square or rectangular aperture) that enables the bushing 1522to fit securely over the stud 1513. In this embodiment, the stud 1513 isformed by making parallel cuts in a forward edge portion of the frame1510, and bending the material between the two cuts outwardly at a rightangle to the frame 1510. In other embodiments, the stud 1513 can beformed using other suitable techniques or structures known in the artincluding, for example, by securing a pin or fastener to the frame 1510.In still further embodiments, the bushing 1522 can be omitted and asingle stud, pin, fastener, insert, etc. of appropriate shape and sizecan be used in its place.

In another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, a proximal end portionof the latch 1530 includes a first engagement feature 1680 a and asecond engagement feature 1680 b. In particular embodiments, theengagement features 1680 can be portions of the latch 1530 which areformed into hooks. In other embodiments, the engagement features 1680can include openings or apertures formed in the latch 1530. Similar tothe latch assembly 1200 described above, a second biasing member 1674biases the latch 1530 toward the open position illustrated in FIGS. 15Aand 15B until the anchor 1502 or other structure pushes the ejector 1590back into the mouth 1580. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondbiasing member 1674 is a spring (e.g., a coil spring) having a first endportion 1678 a formed into a hook shape, and a second end portion 1678 bthat is also formed into a hook shape. The first end portion 1678 a isreceived in a spring aperture 1676 in the frame 1510, and the second endportion 1678 b is coupled to the first engagement feature 1680 a on thelatch 1530.

In a further aspect of this embodiment, the pull strap 1550 includes adistal end portion 1658 a and a proximal end portion 1658 b. The distalend portion 1658 a passes through an opening 1362 in the second housingportion 1570 b and is operably coupled to the second engagement feature1680 b on the latch 1530. More particularly, in the illustratedembodiment the distal end portion 1658 a includes an engagement apertureor opening 1659 therein that is configured to fit over the secondengagement feature 1680 b to operationally attach the pull strap 1550 tothe latch 1530.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are enlarged rear isometric and front isometric views,respectively, of the ejector 1590 configured in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B together,the ejector 1590 is at least generally similar in structure and functionto the ejector 1290 described above with reference to FIGS. 12B-14F. Inthis particular embodiment, however, the ejector 1590 includes a firstside portion 1702, a second side portion 1704, and a channel 1712extending through a lower portion thereof. The channel 1712 enables theejector 1590 to slidably straddle the first jaw 1512 of the frame 1510with the first side portion 1702 positioned on one side of the frame1510 and the second side portion 1704 positioned on the other side ofthe frame 1510. The first side portion 1702 of the ejector 1590 includesan angled contact surface 1708 configured to operably engage the secondend portion 1524 b of the first biasing member 1520 (FIG. 15B). Theejector 1590 further includes a bearing surface 1724 that the anchor1502 or other structure can contact to drive the ejector 1590 back intothe mouth 1580 against the force of the first biasing member 1520. Likethe blocker 590 described above with reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, theejector 1590 can be manufactured from various types of suitable plastics(e.g., polypropylene or other thermoplastic polymers), thermosettingresins, fiber-reinforced resins, Delrin®, and/or other suitablematerials known in the art including suitable metallic materials.

FIGS. 18A-18F are a series of side views illustrating various stages ofoperation of the latch assembly 1500 with the housing 1571 removed forpurposes of illustration and clarity. FIGS. 18A, 18C and 18E are leftside views of the latch assembly 1500, and FIGS. 18B, 18D and 18F arecorresponding right side views of the latch assembly 1500. In theillustrated embodiment, the latch assembly 1500 can operate in the sameway, or at least in a very similar way, as the latch assembly 1200described above with reference to FIGS. 14A-14F. Accordingly, the latch1530 can pivot about two spaced apart pivot points as it moves to thefully open or fully closed position. In other embodiments, the latchassembly 1500 or variations thereof can operate differently.

Referring first to FIGS. 18A and 18B, in these views the latch 1530 isin an open or first position 1814, and remains in this position prior toattachment to the anchor 1502 (shown in partial cross-section in FIGS.18A-18F for clarity) or other structural member. When the latch 1530 isin the open position 1814, the proximal end portion 1658 b of the pullstrap 1550 is in position C. To couple the latch assembly 1500 to theanchor 1502, the anchor 1502 is pressed against the ejector 1590 to pushthe ejector 1590 back in the direction of arrow 1803. This causes thecontact surface 1708 of the ejector 1590 to drive the second end portion1524 b of the first biasing member 1520 back in the direction of arrow1803. This creates torsion in the first biasing member 1520 that causesthe first end portion 1524 a to overcome the tension in the secondbiasing member 1674 and drive the first guide feature 1546 a forward inthe first opening 1516.

Referring next to FIGS. 18C and 18D, as the first end portion 1524 a ofthe first biasing member 1520 urges the first guide feature 1546 aforward toward the bottom of the “V”-shaped first opening 1516, thelatch 1530 rotates downwardly in the direction of arrow 1809 about thesecond guide feature 1546 b toward a second position 1812. In thisembodiment, the second guide feature 1546 b (or a cross-sectional centerportion thereof) can represent a first pivot point of the latch 1530.This rotation of the latch 1530 causes the proximal end portion 1658 bof the pull strap 1550 to move forward from position C to position B.When the latch 1530 is in the second position 1812, the anchor 1502 iscaptured by a first engagement surface 1814 on the first jaw 1512 and asecond engagement surface 1834 on the second jaw 1532.

Referring next to FIGS. 18E and 18F, as the first end portion 1524 a ofthe first biasing member 1520 continues to drive the first guide feature1546 a toward the forward end portion of the first opening 1516, thesecond guide feature 1546 b moves upwardly through the second opening1518. As the guide features 1546 move along these paths, the latch 1530rotates about the anchor 1502 in the direction of arrow 1806 to a thirdor closed position 1810, and the proximal end portion 1658 b of the pullstrap 1250 moves forward to position A. Accordingly, in this embodimentthe anchor 1502 (or a cross-sectional center portion thereof) canrepresent a second pivot point of the latch 1530.

As shown in FIG. 18F, when the latch 1530 is in the fully closedposition 1810, the second biasing member 1674 is extended in tension.Although this tension force tends to pivot the latch 1530 back in thedirection of arrow 1805 (FIGS. 18C and 8D), the torsional force in thefirst biasing member 1520 (FIG. 18E) overcomes the tension in the secondbiasing member 1374 and, as a result, holds the latch 1530 in the closedposition 1810. In the illustrated embodiment, if a force is applied tothe latch assembly 1500 in the direction of arrow 1803, the first guidefeature 1546 a will bear against an upper edge region 1890 of theforward end portion of the first opening 1516 and hold the latch 1530 inthe closed position 1810. Accordingly, the latch assembly 1500 issecurely coupled to the anchor 1502 when the latch 1530 is in the fullyclosed position 1810.

The latch assembly 1500 can be released in a manner that is at leastgenerally similar to the manner described above for the latch assembly1200. More specifically, the user or operator can initiate release bypulling the pull strap 1550 back in the direction of arrow 1803 fromposition A to position B. As shown in FIGS. 18C and 18D, as the pullstrap 1550 moves in this direction, it pulls the latch 1530 andovercomes the torsional resistance of the first biasing member 1520,causing the first guide feature 1546 a to move away from the forward endportion of the first opening 1516. At the same time, the second guidefeature 1546 b moves downwardly through the second opening 1518. Thismovement causes the latch 1530 to rotate about the anchor 1502 in thedirection of arrow 1805 from the closed position 1810 (FIGS. 18E and18F) to the second position 1812.

Referring next to FIGS. 18A and 18B, to continue releasing the latchassembly 1500, the user continues pulling the proximal end portion 1658b of the pull strap 1550 in the direction of arrow 1803 from position Btoward position C. As the pull strap 1550 moves in this direction, itpulls the latch 1530, causing the first guide feature 1546 a to movetoward the aft end portion of the first opening 1516. The second guidefeature 1546 b, however, remains at the lower end portion of the secondopening 1218. As a result, the latch 1530 rotates or pivots about thesecond guide feature 1546 b in the direction of arrow 1807 from thesecond position 1812 toward the first or open position 1814. When theproximal end portion 1658 b of the pull strap 1550 reaches position C,the latch 1530 is in the open position 1814 and the latch assembly 1500can be moved away from the anchor 1502.

As illustrated by comparing FIG. 18C to FIG. 18A, when the pull strap1550 is moved back to position C and the latch assembly 1500 is movedaway from the anchor 1502, the torsional force in the first biasingmember 1520 causes the second end portion 1524 b to drive the ejector1590 forward in the direction of arrow 1808. The second biasing member1674 (FIG. 18B) holds the latch 1530 back in the open position 1814, andthe latch 1530 remains in this position until the anchor 1502 or otherstructure pushes the ejector 1590 back in the direction of arrow 1803during attachment of the latch assembly 1500 to the anchor 1502 or otherstructure.

FIG. 19A is an isometric view of a latch assembly 1900 configured inaccordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 19B isan isometric view of the latch assembly 1900 with a housing 1971 removedfor ease of illustration. Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B together, inthese views the latch assembly 1900 is shown in an open position priorto engagement to a structural member, such as a metal bar or the anchor1502. Many features of the latch assembly 1900 can be at least generallysimilar in structure and function to corresponding features of one ormore of the latch assemblies described in detail above with reference toFIGS. 1-18F (e.g., the latch assemblies 100, 500, 1200 and/or 1500). Forexample, the housing 1971 includes a front or first portion 1970 a thatfits neatly together with a complementary rear or second portion 1970 bto cover the inner workings of the latch assembly 1900. Moreover, thelatch assembly 1900 includes a frame 1910 (e.g., a metal frame) having aweb aperture or opening 1926 positioned toward a proximal end portion1904 of the latch assembly 1900 to receive and engage a conventionalseatbelt or web, such as the belt 112 described above with reference toFIG. 1. In further embodiments, the frame 1910 can be attached directlyto structures and/or members other than a belt or web. For example, insome embodiments the frame 1910 could be bolted, fastened, or otherwiseattached directly to a child seat, passenger restraint, or other portionof a vehicle, etc. In other embodiments, an adjustable buckle, a webadjuster, or a web retractor can be attached or otherwise incorporatedinto the latch assembly 1900 or otherwise incorporated into the latchassembly 1900 toward the proximal end portion 1904. In such embodiments,the belt or web can be operably coupled to the latch assembly 1900 viathe adjustable buckle, web adjuster, retractor, etc.

As with the latch assemblies 100, 500, 1200 and 1500 described in detailabove, the latch assembly 1900 can be used in a number of differentrestraint systems and in a number of different arrangements.Accordingly, the latch assembly 1900 described herein is not limited tothe particular arrangements or combinations illustrated in theaccompanying figures, but can be utilized in a wide variety ofapplications and arrangements to secure child seats, persons, cargo,equipment, etc. in moving vehicles.

A distal end portion 1906 of the latch assembly 1900 includes a mouth1980 configured to receive the anchor 1502. A pivotal lever or latch1930 is operably coupled to the frame 1910 proximate the mouth 1980 by afirst guide feature 1946 a and a second guide feature 1946 b. The firstguide feature 1946 a is moveably received in a first guide track oropening 1916 in the frame 1910, and the second guide feature 1946 bmoveably received in a second opening 1918 in the frame 1910. The guidefeatures 1946, the openings 1916 and 1918, and the latch 1930 can be atleast generally similar in structure and function to the correspondingfeatures, openings, and latch of the latch assembly 1500 described indetail above with reference to FIGS. 15A though 18F.

The frame 1910 includes a first jaw 1912 that cooperates with anopposing second jaw 1932 on the latch 1930 to capture and retain theanchor 1502 when the anchor 1502 is inserted into the mouth 1980. Asshown in FIG. 19B, the latch assembly 1900 further includes a biasingmember 1920 (e.g., a coil spring). As described in greater detail below,the biasing member 1920 pushes against an ejector 1990 during operationof the latch assembly 1900.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the latch 1930 is actuated via a pullstrap 1950 that is operably coupled to a handle or knob 1951. The pullstrap 1950 can be fabricated from a flexible material having suitablestrength, such as woven nylon. The knob 1951 is configured so that itcan be easily grasped by an operator and pulled to release the latchassembly 1900. The pull strap 1950 is attached to a latch coupling 1953,which in turn is pivotally coupled to the latch 1930 via the first guidefeature 1946 a. Accordingly, as described in greater detail below, whenthe operator pulls on the knob 1951, the latch coupling 1953 pulls thelatch 1930 back to open the latch 1930 and release the anchor bar.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are exploded front and rear isometric views,respectively, of the latch assembly 1900. Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20Btogether, the knob 1951 includes a through hole 2053 that receives thepull strap 1950. A first end portion 2055 of the pull strap 1950 engagesthe knob 1951, and a second end portion 2059 includes a loop of materialthat slides over an arm 2057 of the latch coupling 1953 after passingthrough a strap aperture 2073 in the second housing portion 1970 b. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first guide feature 1946 a is acylindrical pin that that passes through an opening 2055 in the latchcoupling 1953 to pivotally attach the latch coupling 1953 to the latch1930. The first guide feature 1946 a continues to extend through a firstaperture 2042 a in the latch 1930 and then through the first guidefeature opening 1916 in the frame 1910. As described in greater detailbelow, a distal end portion of the first guide feature 1946 a extendsbeyond the frame 1910 and is acted upon by the ejector 1990. The secondguide feature 1946 b passes through the second opening 1918 in the frame1910 and then into a second aperture 2042 b in the latch 1930. The guidefeatures 1946 can be press fit in the latch apertures 2042, or they canbe retained by staking, swaging, and/or other suitable means known inthe art.

A first end portion 2021 a of the biasing member 1920 is received in asocket 2075 formed in the second housing portion 1970 b. A second endportion 2021 b of the biasing member 1920 is operably coupled to theejector 1990 as described in greater detail below. As shown to goodeffect in FIG. 20B, the first housing portion 1970 a is substantiallyhollow and is configured to receive a portion of the frame 1910, theejector 1990, and the latch 1930 in an interior region 2075 thereof.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged isometric view of the ejector 1990 configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Like the ejectors 1290and 1590 described in detail above, the ejector 1990 can be manufacturedfrom various types of suitable materials including suitable plastic(e.g., polypropylene or other thermal plastic polymers), thermosettingresins, fiber-reinforced resins, Delrin®, and/or other suitablematerials known in the art including suitable metallic materials. Theejector 1990 includes a biasing member engagement feature 2192. In theillustrated embodiment, the engagement feature 2192 is a short stud orbump configured to be inserted into the second end portion 2021 b of thebiasing member 1920 to hold the second end portion 2021 b in position.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the ejector 1990 includes anangled blocking surface 2198 adjacent to a notch or recess 2196. Therecess 2196 can form a guide track that includes a seat (e.g., agenerally semi-circular seat) 2193 configured to receive the distal endportion of the first guide feature 1946 a during operation of the latchassembly 1900. The ejector 1990 further includes a base portion 2191having a bearing surface 2124 and a slot or channel 2194. The bearingsurface 2124 is configured to contact the anchor 1502 when the latchassembly 1900 is engaged with the anchor 1502 (FIGS. 19A and 19B). Thechannel 2194 is configured to slidably fit over the first jaw 1912 ofthe frame 1910 (FIG. 19B).

FIGS. 22A and 22B are rear and front isometric views, respectively,illustrating the arrangement of the ejector 1990 and the latch 1930 onthe frame 1910 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Othercomponents of the latch assembly 1900 have been omitted from theseFigures for purposes of illustration. Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22Btogether, the ejector 1990 is supported on the frame 1910 so that aportion of the first jaw 1912 extends through the channel 2194. When theejector 1990 is in the forward position shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, theblocking surface 2198 bears against the first guide feature 1946 a andholds the latch 1930 in the open position. As described in greaterdetail below, when an anchor or other member presses against the bearingsurface 2124 and pushes the ejector 1990 back into the mouth 1980, thebase portion 2191 rotates rearwardly into a recess 2214 formed in theframe 1910 and the blocking surface 2198 releases the first guidefeature 1946 a allowing the latch 1930 to close.

FIG. 22C is a front isometric view of the latch assembly 1900illustrating various aspects of the mouth 1980. In the illustratedembodiment, the mouth 1980 includes a cutout or opening 2282 formed inthe first housing portion 1970 a. The opening 2282 includes a first slotportion 2284 a and an opposing second slot portion 2284 b thataccommodate movement of the latch jaw 1932 between the open position(shown) and the closed position, respectively. The opening 2282 alsoincludes an edge portion 2286 that contacts the bearing surface 2124 ofthe ejector 1990 and acts as a stop to limit forward movement of theejector 1990 under force of the biasing member 1920 (FIG. 19B).

FIGS. 23A-F are a series of side views illustrating various stages ofoperation of the latch assembly 1900 with the housing 1971 removed forpurposes of illustration and clarity. FIGS. 23A, 23C and 23E are leftside views of the latch assembly 1900, and FIGS. 23B, 23D and 23F arecorresponding right side views of the latch assembly 1900. Movement ofthe latch 1930 during operation of the latch assembly 1900 can be atleast generally similar, if not the same, as movement of the latch 1530during operation of the latch assembly 1500 as described above withreference to FIGS. 18A-18F. For example, as with the latch assemblies1200, 1500, etc. described above, the latch 1930 can pivot about twospaced apart pivot points as it moves to the fully open or fully closedpositions.

Referring first to FIGS. 23A and 23B, the compressive force of thebiasing member 1920 pushes the ejector base portion 2191 forward anddrives the ejector blocking surface 2198 against the first guide feature1946 a. This holds the first guide feature 1946 a against the upper endportion of the first opening 2016, which in turn holds the latch 1930 inan open or first position 2314. The latch 1930 remains in the openposition prior to attachment to the anchor 1502 (shown in partialcross-section in FIGS. 23A-F for clarity). When the latch 1930 is in theopen position 2314, the proximal end portion of the pull strap 1950 or,in this case the knob 1951, is in position C. To attach the latchassembly 1900 to the anchor 1502, the anchor 1502 is pressed against theejector bearing surface 2124 to push the ejector 1990 back in thedirection of arrow 2303. This causes the ejector 1990 to initiallyrotate about the first guide feature 1946 a against the compressiveforce of the biasing member 1920.

Referring next to FIGS. 23C and 23D, as the anchor 1502 continues todrive against the ejector 1990, the biasing member 1920 drives the upperportion of the ejector 1990 forward, urging the first guide feature 1946a forward and downward toward the bottom of the “V”-shaped first opening2016 as shown in FIG. 23C. This rotates the latch 1930 downwardly in thedirection of arrow 2309 about the second guide feature 1946d toward asecond position 2312. In this embodiment, the second guide feature 1946b (or a cross-sectional center portion thereof) can represent a firstpivot point of the latch 1930. This closing rotation of the latch 1930causes the pull knob 1951 to move forward from position C to position B.When the latch 1930 is in the second position 2312, the anchor 1502 iscaptured between the first jaw 1912 and the second jaw 1932.

Turning next to FIGS. 23E and 23F, as the biasing member 1920 continuesto push against the upper portion of the ejector 1990, the ejector 1990drives the first guide feature 1946 a out of the seat 2193 and towardthe forward end portion of the first opening 2016. This also causes thesecond guide feature 1946 b to move upwardly through the second opening2018. As the guide features 1946 move along these respective paths, thelatch 1930 rotates about the anchor 1502 in the direction 2306 to athird or closed position 2310. Accordingly, in this embodiment theanchor 1502 (or a cross-sectional center portion thereof) can representa second pivot point of the latch 1930. As the latch 1930 rotates to theclosed position, the knob 1951 moves forward to position A. If a forceis applied to the frame 1910 in the direction of arrow 2303 by, forexample, a substantial pull on the belt 112 (FIG. 19A), the first guidefeature 1946 a will bear against an upper edge region 2390 of theforward end portion of the first opening 2016 and hold the latch 1930 inthe closed position 2310.

The sequential motion of the ejector 1990 as shown in FIGS. 23A, 23C,and 23E can be described as an “over-center” rocking motion thatcontrols movement of the latch 1930. In one embodiment, the guidefeatures 1954 make can make a “clicking” noise as they arrive at the endportions of their respective paths to audibly confirm to the user thatthe latch 1930 is in the fully closed position.

The latch assembly 1900 can be released in a manner that is at leastgenerally similar to the manner described above for the latch assembly1500. For example, the user or operator can initiate release by pullingthe strap 1950 back in the direction of arrow 2303 from position A toposition B. As shown in FIGS. 23C and 23D, when the strap 1950 is pulledwith a force sufficient to overcome the compression force of the biasingmember 1920, the first guide feature 1946 a moves away from the forwardend portion of the first opening 2016 to the bottom of the “V” adjacentto the ejector seat 2193. Simultaneously, the second guide feature 1946b moves downwardly through the second opening 2018. This movement causesthe latch 1930 to rotate about the anchor 1502 in the direction of arrow2305 from the closed position 2310 (FIGS. 23E and 23F) to the secondposition 2312.

Returning next to FIGS. 23A and 23B, to continue releasing the latchassembly 1900, the user continues pulling the knob 1951 in the directionof arrow 2303 from position B to position C. As the pull strap 1950moves in this direction, it pulls the first guide feature 1946 a backtoward the aft end portion of the first opening 2016. The second guidefeature 1946 b, however, remains at the lower end portion of the secondopening 2018. As a result, the latch 1930 rotates or pivots about thesecond guide feature 1946 b in the direction of arrow 2307 from thesecond position 2312 toward the first or open position 2314. When theknob 1951 reaches position C, the latch 1930 is in the open position2314 and the latch assembly 1900 can be removed from the anchor 1502. Asexplained above, in this position the biasing member 1920 drives theblocking surface 2198 of the ejector 1990 against the first guidefeature 1946 a and holds the latch 1930 in the open position 2314.

FIG. 24A is an isometric view of a coupling or latch assembly 2400configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG.24B is an isometric view of the latch assembly 2400 with a housing 2471removed for purposes of illustration. Referring first to FIG. 24A, thehousing 2471 includes a forward or first portion 2470 a that fits neatlytogether with a complimentary aft or second portion 2470 b to enclose aportion of the latch assembly 2400 therewithin. As with the housingportions 1270 and 1570 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 12A-13and 15A-16, respectively, the housing portions 2470 can be manufacturedfrom various types of suitable materials known in the art including, forexample, injection-molded plastic materials, thermosetting resins, etc.

Many features of the latch assembly 2400 can be at least generallysimilar in structure and function to corresponding features of the latchassembly 1500 described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 15A-18F.For example, the latch assembly 2400 includes a distal end portion 2406having a mouth 2480 configured to receive the anchor 1502, and aproximal end portion 2404 having a web aperture or opening 2426. In theillustrated embodiment, however, the proximal end portion 2404 isoriented perpendicular to a vertical midplane (represented by the arrows2465) of the latch assembly 2400. As a result, the opening 2426 facesgenerally upwardly and downwardly, and the opening 2426 is aligned, orat least approximately aligned, with a central or longitudinal axis 2466of the latch assembly 2400. This latch configuration may lend itselfwell to “non-handed” operation that is equally suited for use in bothleft- and right-handed applications. In other embodiments, however, theproximal end portion 2404 and the corresponding opening 2426 in thelatch assembly 2400 can have other orientations relative to the verticalmidplane without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, in other embodiments the proximal end portion2404 can be oriented at an angle that is less than 90 degrees relativeto the vertical midplane, such as 45 degrees, or even zero degrees.

The opening 2426 is configured to receive, for example, a conventionalseat belt or web, such as the belt 112 described above with reference toFIG. 1. As discussed above with reference to the latch assembly 1200,the web, belt or other member can be attached to the latch assembly 2400via the opening 2426 using any number of suitable methods known in theart. Such methods include, for example, passing an end portion of theweb through the opening 2426 and then stitching the end portion to theweb to form a closed loop through the opening 2426. In otherembodiments, a belt or web can be attached to the latch assembly 2400using rivets and/or other types of suitable fasteners known in the art.

In some embodiments, the latch assembly 2400 can be attached tostructures and/or members other than a belt or web. For example, thelatch assembly 2400 can be attached directly to a child seat, passengerrestraint, or other portion of the vehicle (or to a structural membercarried by the child seat, passenger restraint, or other portion of thevehicle) via the opening 2426 or via another portion of the latchassembly 2400. In yet other embodiments, an adjustable buckle (e.g., theadjustable buckle 114 shown in FIG. 1), a web adjuster, or a webretractor can be fixedly attached to the latch assembly 2400 orotherwise incorporated into the latch assembly 2400 toward the proximalend portion 2404. In these embodiments, the belt or web can be operablycoupled to the latch assembly 2400 via the adjustable buckle, webadjuster, or retractor.

The latch assembly 2400 can be used in a number of different restraintsystems and in a number of different arrangements. In one embodiment,for example, the latch assembly 2400 can be used in place of the latchassembly 100 to secure the child safety seat (passenger restraint 110)to the seat 104 as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, however, thelatch assembly 2400 can be used to secure a child safety seat to theseat 104 and/or to other portions of the vehicle 116 in otherarrangements (e.g., child seat facing forward, aft, etc.). For example,in various embodiments the latch assembly 2400 (or the latch assembly1900, 1500, 1200, 500 or 100 described above) can be used as a latch inthe systems described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/756,143,entitled “Child Safety Seat Attachment Belt Retractor System,” which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Accordingly, the latchassembly 2400 described herein is not limited to use in the particulararrangements and combinations illustrated in the accompanying figures,but can be utilized in a wide variety of applications and arrangementsto secure child seats, persons, cargo, equipment, etc. in movingvehicles without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentdisclosure.

Referring next to FIGS. 24A and 24B together, a pivotable lever or latch2430 is operably coupled to a frame 2410 proximate the mouth 2480 by afirst guide feature 2446 a and a second guide feature 2446 b. The firstguide feature 2446 a is moveably received in a first guide track oropening 2416 in the frame 2410, and the second guide feature 2446 b ismoveably received in a second opening 2418 in the frame 2410. In theillustrated embodiment, the first and second guide features 2446 can beat least generally similar in structure and function to thecorresponding first and second guide features 1546 described in detailabove. In the illustrated embodiment, as described in greater detailbelow, the frame 2410 includes a first jaw 2412 that cooperates with asecond jaw 2432 on the latch 2430 to capture and retain the anchor 1502when the anchor 1502 is inserted into the mouth 2480.

Although the guide features 2446 of the illustrated embodiment are fixedto the latch 2430, and the openings 2416 and 2418 are formed in theframe 2410, in other embodiments the guide features can be fixed to theframe 2410 and the corresponding openings can be formed in the latch2430. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, in suchembodiments the shapes and/or orientations of the openings in the latch2430 would likely differ from the shapes and/or orientations of theillustrated openings 2416 and 2418 in the frame 2410 to provide thedesired movement of the latch 2430 during operation. For example, suchopenings in the latch may be generally opposite to the illustratedopenings in the frame. Accordingly, the various latch assembliesdisclosed herein are not limited to embodiments in which the guidefeatures are fixed to the latch and the corresponding openings areformed in the frame, but include other embodiments in which one or moreof the guide features is fixed to the frame and one or more of theopenings is formed in the latch.

In the illustrated embodiment, the latch assembly 2400 includes arelease actuator in the form of a web, tether, or pull strap 2450. Thepull strap 2450 includes a distal end portion 2458 a and a proximal endportion 2458 b. The distal end portion 2458 a of the pull strap 2450 isoperably attached to a coupling 2460. The coupling 2460 is pivotallyattached to opposing ends of the first guide feature 2446 a. A firstbiasing member 2420 (e.g., a coil spring) has a first end portion 2422 aengaged with a notch 2414 in the frame 2410, and a second end portion2422 b engaged with an aperture 2462 in the coupling 2460 to bias orurge the first guide feature 2446 a forward toward the distal end 2406of the latch assembly 2400.

Like their counterparts described above, the latch 2430, the frame 2410,and/or the guide features 2446 can be formed from various types ofsuitable metals known in the art. Moreover, the guide features 2446 canbe attached to the latch 2430 in a manner that is at least generallysimilar to that described above for the latch assembly 1200. In otherembodiments, however, the latch 2430, the frame 2410, and/or the guidefeatures 2446 can be formed from non-metallic materials (e.g.,fiber-reinforced resin materials), and/or other suitable materials knownin the art.

FIG. 25 is an exploded isometric view of the latch assembly 2400. In theillustrated embodiment, the pull strap 2450 extends through an opening2405 in the second housing portion 2470 b, and through a loop 2562 b onone end of a tethering spring 2560. An opposite end 2562 a of thetethering spring 2560 is attached to an aperture 2530 in the frame 2410.In this manner, the tethering spring 2560 helps guide the pull strap2450 and provide some spring back during operation, The pull strap 2450can also include a gripping button 2570 to facilitate grasping duringoperation. The pull strap 2450 can be at least generally similar instructure and function to the pull strap 1550 described in detail abovewith reference to FIGS. 15A-18F. Accordingly, the pull strap 2450 can beformed from various types of suitably durable, strong and flexiblematerials known in the art, including woven fabric materials such asthose typically used for seatbelts or webbing (e.g., woven nylon,polypropylene, polyester, etc.). In other embodiments, however, thelatch assembly 2400 can utilize other types of release actuators,including both flexible and non-flexible actuators such as push buttons,pull buttons, triggers, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end portion 2504 of theframe 2410 is sandwiched between an aft flange 2471 a of the firsthousing portion 2470 a and an aft flange 2471 b of the second housingportion 2470 b. Each of the aft flanges 2471 includes a correspondingaperture 2473 that is aligned with a complimentary aperture 2527 inframe 2410 to create the opening 2426 described above with reference toFIG. 24A. In one aspect of this embodiment, the frame 2410 also includesan ejector channel 2520 positioned between a nose portion 2513 and thefirst jaw 2412. A second biasing member 2550 (e.g., a coil spring) isoperably positioned in the ejector channel 2520 in cooperation with anejector 2590, as described below with reference to FIGS. 26A-B. In theillustrated embodiment, the frame 2410 is formed (e.g., twisted) toorient the proximal end portion 2504 at a desired angle (e.g., 90degrees) relative to a distal end portion 2506. In other embodiments,the angle between the proximal end portion 2504 and the distal endportion 2506 may be achieved by other means, such as by constructing theframe from two or more pieces that are fixedly attached together.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are enlarged rear isometric and front isometric views,respectively, of the ejector 2590. Referring to FIGS. 26A and 26Btogether, the ejector 2590 is at least generally similar in structureand function to the ejector 1590 described above with reference to FIGS.15B-18F. In this particular embodiment, however, the ejector 2590includes a first side portion 2602, a second side portion 2604, a lowerchannel 2612, and an upper channel 2614. The channels 2612 and 2614enable the ejector 2590 to slidably engage the first jaw 2412 and thenose portion 2513 and move back and forth in the ejector channel 2520,with the first side portion 2602 positioned on one side of the frame2410 and the second side portion 2604 positioned on the other side ofthe frame 2410. Additionally, the ejector 2590 also includes a springreceiving portion 2611 which is formed by a first recess 2610 a on aninner surface of the first side portion 2602 and a complimentary secondrecess 2610 b on the opposing inner surface of the second side portion2604. The spring receiving portion 2611 receives the second biasingmember 2550, which biases or urges the ejector toward the distal end2406 of latch assembly 2400.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the first side portion 2602 includes arounded contact surface 2608 configured to operably engage the secondguide feature 2446 b (FIG. 24B). The contact surface 2608 limits forwardmovement of the ejector 2590 during operation of the latch assembly2400. The ejector 2590 further includes a bearing surface 2624 that theanchor 1502 or other structure can contact to drive the ejector 2590back into the mouth 2480 against the force of the second biasing member2550. The ejector 2590 also includes a blocking surface 2618 and acutout portion 2620 that cooperate with the latch 2430, as described inmore detail below with reference to FIGS. 27A-F. Like the ejector 1590described above with reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the ejector 2590can be manufactured from various types of suitable plastics (e.g.,polypropylene or other thermoplastic polymers), thermosetting resins,fiber-reinforced resins, Delrin®, and/or other suitable materials knownin the art including suitable metallic materials.

FIGS. 27A-27F are a series of side views illustrating various stages ofoperation of the latch assembly 2400 with the housing 2471 removed forpurposes of illustration and clarity. FIGS. 27A, 27C and 27E are leftside views of the latch assembly 2400, and FIGS. 27B, 27D and 27F arecorresponding right side views of the latch assembly 2400. In theillustrated embodiment, the latch assembly 2400 can operate in mannerthat is at least generally similar to operation of the latch assembly1500 described above with reference to FIGS. 18A-18F. More specifically,the latch 2430 can pivot about two spaced apart pivot points as it movesto the fully open or fully closed position. In other embodiments, thelatch assembly 2400 or variations thereof can operate differently.

Referring first to FIGS. 27A and 27B, in these views the latch 2430 isin an open or first position 2714, and remains in this position prior toattachment to the anchor 1502 (shown in partial cross-section in FIGS.27A-27F) or other structural member. When the latch 2430 is in the openposition 2714, the proximal end portion 2458 b of the pull strap 2450 isin position C, and the blocking portion 2618 of the ejector 2590 abuts afinger or tab 2534 of the latch 2430 to prevent the latch 2430 fromrotating downwardly about the second guide feature 2446 b. To couple thelatch assembly 2400 to the anchor 1502, the anchor 1502 is pressedagainst the bearing surface 2624 of the ejector 2590 to push the ejector2590 back in the direction of arrow 2703. This causes the ejector 2590to compress the second biasing member 2550 back in the direction ofarrow 2703.

Referring next to FIGS. 27C and 27D, as the ejector 2590 is pushed backtoward the direction of arrow 2703, the blocking portion 2618 moves awayfrom the latch tab 2534. This enables the first biasing member 2420 topull the first guide feature 2446 a forward toward the bottom of the“V”-shaped first opening 2416, which causes the latch 2430 to rotatedownwardly in the direction of arrow 2709 about the second guide feature2446 b toward a second position 2712. In this embodiment, the secondguide feature 2446 b (or a cross-sectional center portion thereof) canrepresent a first pivot point of the latch 2430. This rotation of thelatch 2430 causes the proximal end portion 2458 b of the pull strap 2450to move forward from position C to position B. When the latch 2430 is inthe second position 2712, the anchor 1502 is captured between a firstengagement surface 2714 on the first jaw 2412 and a second engagementsurface 2734 on the second jaw 2432.

Referring next to FIGS. 27E and 27F, as the first biasing member 2420continues to drive the first guide feature 2446 a toward the forward endportion of the first opening 2416, the second guide feature 2446 b movesupwardly through the second opening 2418. As the guide features 2446move along these paths, the latch 2430 rotates about the anchor 1502 inthe direction of arrow 2706 to a third or fully closed position 2710,and the proximal end portion 2458 b of the pull strap 2450 moves forwardto position A. Accordingly, in this embodiment the anchor 1502 (or across-sectional center portion thereof) can represent a second pivotpoint of the latch 1530.

As shown in FIGS. 27E, when the latch 2430 is in the fully closedposition 2710, the first biasing member 2420 is extended in tension,holding the first guiding feature 2446 a against the forward end of thefirst opening 2416. In this position, the first guide feature 2446 abears against an upper edge region 2790 of the forward end portion ofthe first opening 2416, and prevents the latch 2430 from inadvertentlyopening in use. Accordingly, the latch assembly 2400 is securely coupledto the anchor 1502 when the latch 2430 is in the fully closed position2710.

The latch assembly 2400 can be released in a manner that is at leastgenerally similar to the manner described above for the latch assembly1500. More specifically, the user or operator can initiate release bypulling the pull strap 2450 back in the direction of arrow 2703 fromposition A to position B. As shown in FIGS. 27C and 27D, as the pullstrap 2450 moves in this direction, it pulls the coupling 2460 andovercomes the tension of the first biasing member 2420, causing thefirst guide feature 2446 a to move away from the forward end portion ofthe first opening 2416. At the same time, the second guide feature 2446b moves downwardly through the second opening 2418. This movement causesthe latch 2430 to rotate about the anchor 1502 in the direction of arrow2705 from the closed position 2710 (FIGS. 27E and 27F) to the secondposition 2712 (FIGS. 27C and 27D).

Referring next to FIGS. 27A and 27B, to continue releasing the latchassembly 2400, the user continues pulling the proximal end portion 2458b of the pull strap 2450 in the direction of arrow 2703 from position Btoward position C. As the pull strap 2450 moves in this direction, itpulls the first guide feature 2446 a toward the aft end portion of thefirst opening 2416. The second guide feature 2446 b, however, remains atthe lower end portion of the second opening 2418. As a result, the latch2430 rotates or pivots about the second guide feature 2446 b in thedirection of arrow 2707 from the second position 2712 toward the firstor open position 2714. When the proximal end portion 2458 b of the pullstrap 2450 reaches position C, the latch 2430 is in the open position2714 and the latch assembly 2400 can be moved away from the anchor 1502.

As illustrated by comparing FIG. 27C to FIG. 27A, when the pull strap2450 is moved back to position C and the latch assembly 2400 is movedaway from the anchor 1502, the compression force in the second biasingmember 2550 drives the ejector 2590 forward in the direction of arrow2708 until the blocking portion 2618 moves under the tab 2534 of thelatch 2430. The blocking portion 2618 holds the latch 2430 in the openposition 2714 until the anchor 1502 or other structure pushes theejector 2590 back in the direction of arrow 2703 during attachment ofthe latch assembly 2400.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a portable passenger restraint 2810(e.g., a child car seat) secured to a seat 2804 in a vehicle 2816 by twoof the latch assemblies 2400 in accordance with an embodiment of thedisclosure. The latch assemblies 2400 are identified as a first latchassembly 2400 a and a second latch assembly 2400 b for ease ofreference. The first latch assembly 2400 a is coupled to a first end2818 of a web or belt 2812, and the second latch assembly 2400 b iscoupled to a second end 2820 of the belt 2812.

To secure the passenger restraint 2810 to the seat 2804, the belt 2812is routed through an opening 2814 in the passenger restraint 2810. Thefirst latch assembly 2400 a is then attached to a first anchor 1502 onone side of the passenger restraint 2810 as described in detail above,and the second latch assembly 2400 b is attached to a second anchor 1502on the opposite side of the passenger restraint 2810. The belt 2812 canalso carry one or more web adjusters 2822 known in the art for adjustingthe length and/or tension in the belt 2812 as desired to adequatelysecure the passenger restraint 2810 to the seat 2804. Although thediscussion above refers to the latch assembly 2400, in other embodimentsany of the latch assemblies described above (e.g., the latch assemblies500, 1200, 1500, or 1900) can be used in the same or a similar manner.Additionally, the latch assembly 2400 can be used with other types ofrestraint systems (e.g., passenger, cargo, etc.) in other types ofvehicles (e.g., automobiles, aircraft, rotorcraft, watercraft, etc.)without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but that various modifications may be made without deviating from thespirit and scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure. Forexample, the latch assemblies can include a different number of pivotpoints or pivot points in different locations. Moreover, the latchassemblies can also be coupled to other or different portable passengerrestraints, including, for example, forward facing child car seats.Further, while various advantages and features associated with certainembodiments of the disclosure have been described above in the contextof those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantagesand/or features, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit suchadvantages and/or features to fall within the scope of the disclosure.Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited, except as by the appendedclaims.

1. A latch assembly for releasably engaging an anchor in a vehicle, thelatch assembly comprising: a frame having a proximal end portion and adistal end portion, wherein the proximal end portion is orientedperpendicular to the distal end portion, and wherein the proximal endportion includes a web aperture for receiving a web; a latch pivotallycoupled to the distal end portion of the frame; and a release actuatoroperably coupled to the latch, wherein movement of the release actuatorfrom a first actuator position toward a second actuator position rotatesthe latch from a first latch position to a second latch position about afirst pivot point, and from the second latch position to a third latchposition about a second pivot point spaced apart from the first pivotpoint.
 2. The latch assembly of claim 1 wherein the distal end portionof the frame is vertically oriented and the web aperture is horizontallyoriented.
 3. The latch assembly of claim 1 wherein the distal endportion of the frame is parallel to a vertical midplane of the latchassembly and the proximal end portion of the frame is perpendicular tothe vertical midplane of the latch assembly.
 4. The latch assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the release actuator and the web aperture are alignedwith a longitudinal axis of the latch assembly.
 5. The latch assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a housing enclosing a portion of the frameand latch therewithin, wherein the release actuator exits the housingvia an opening aligned with the web aperture.
 6. The latch assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a housing enclosing a portion of the frameand latch therewithin, wherein the release actuator exits the housingvia an opening, and wherein the opening, the release actuator and theweb aperture are aligned with a central axis of the latch assembly. 7.The latch assembly of claim 1 wherein the release actuator includes aflexible pull strap.
 8. The latch assembly of claim 1 wherein the frameincludes a first opening and a second opening proximate the distal endportion, and wherein the latch is pivotally coupled to the frame by afirst guide feature movably received in the first opening and a secondguide feature movably received in the second opening.
 9. The latchassembly of claim 1, further comprising an ejector movably positionedbetween the frame and the latch, wherein the ejector is movable betweena first ejector position and a second ejector position, wherein theejector prevents the latch from rotating from the third latch positionto the second latch position about the second pivot point when theejector is in the first ejector position, and wherein the ejector allowsthe latch to rotate from the third latch position to the second latchposition about the second pivot point when the ejector is in the secondejector position.
 10. The latch assembly of claim 1 wherein the frameincludes a first jaw and the latch includes a second jaw spaced apartfrom the first jaw to define a latch mouth therebetween, and wherein thelatch assembly further comprises: an ejector movably coupled to theframe in the latch mouth, wherein movement of the ejector toward theproximal end portion of the frame allows the second jaw to move towardthe first jaw as the latch pivots about the second pivot point.
 11. Thelatch assembly of claim 1 wherein the frame includes a first jaw and thelatch includes a second jaw spaced apart from the first jaw to define alatch mouth therebetween, and wherein the latch assembly furthercomprises: an ejector slidably coupled to the frame in the latch mouth,wherein the ejector includes a blocking surface that prevents the latchfrom rotating from the third latch position to the second latch positionabout the second pivot point when the ejector is in a forward positionin the latch mouth, and wherein pushing the ejector back into the latchmouth from the forward position toward an aft position moves theblocking surface and allows the second jaw to move toward the first jawas the latch pivots about the second pivot point.
 12. A coupling forengaging an anchor in a vehicle, the coupling comprising: a frame havinga proximal end portion and a distal end portion; a latch movably coupledto the frame proximate the distal end portion; an ejector movablycoupled to the frame proximate the latch, wherein the ejector includes ablocking portion configured to abut the latch and hold the latch in anopen position; and a biasing member operably coupled between the frameand the latch, wherein movement of the ejector toward the proximal endportion of the frame moves the blocking portion away from the latch,whereby the biasing member urges the latch to pivot about a first pivotpoint and then a second pivot point spaced apart from the first pivotpoint as the latch moves to a closed position and engages the anchor.13. The coupling of claim 12 wherein the latch is configured to pivotabout the first pivot point and then the second pivot point in theabsence of rectilinear movement as the latch moves from the openposition to the closed position.
 14. The coupling of claim 12 whereinthe frame includes a first opening and a second opening, and wherein thelatch includes a first guide feature and a second guide feature, whereinthe first guide feature is movably received in the first opening of theframe and the second guide feature is movably received in the secondopening of the frame.
 15. The coupling of claim 12 wherein the frameincludes a first opening and a second opening, and wherein the latchincludes a first guide feature and a second guide feature, wherein thefirst guide feature is movably received in the first opening of theframe and the second guide feature is movably received in the secondopening of the frame, and wherein the coupling further comprises: arelease actuator operably coupled to the first guide feature, whereinmovement of the release actuator toward the proximal end portion of theframe rotates the latch about the second pivot point, and whereincontinued movement of the release actuator toward the proximal endportion of the frame rotates the latch about the first pivot point. 16.The coupling of claim 12, further comprising: a release actuatoroperably coupled to the latch, wherein movement of the release actuatortoward the proximal end portion of the frame rotates the latch about thesecond pivot point, and wherein continued movement of the releaseactuator toward the proximal end portion of the frame rotates the latchabout the first pivot point, thereby allowing the ejector to move towardthe distal end portion of the frame and abut the latch to hold the latchin the open position.
 17. The coupling of claim 12 wherein the biasingmember is a first biasing member, and wherein the ejector includes asecond biasing member that biases the ejector towards the distal endportion of the coupling.
 18. The coupling of claim 12 wherein the frameis twisted 90 degrees so that the proximal end portion is oriented at 90degrees to the distal end portion.
 19. A latch system for releasablycoupling a web to an anchor in a vehicle, the latch system comprising: aframe having a first end portion for receiving the anchor and a secondend portion for receiving the web; a latch movably coupled to the frametoward the first end portion, wherein the latch is configured to move ina plane; means for orienting the second end portion of the frame at anangle relative to the plane; means for holding the latch in an openposition prior to engaging the latch system with the anchor; and meansfor coupling the latch system to the anchor by: pivoting the latch abouta first axis; and pivoting the latch about a second axis spaced apartfrom the first axis to move the latch to a closed position about theanchor.
 20. The latch system of claim 19, further comprising means forreleasing the latch system from the anchor by: pivoting the latch aboutthe second axis; and pivoting the latch about the first axis to move thelatch to the open position.